Bees signal problems

Last year the ongoing decline in bees was highlighted when a study looking at the UK and Dutch bee populations found that wildflowers that rely on specialist species of bees for pollination have declined in step with the reduction in bee numbers. Together they seemed to be in a joint cycle of decline.

Now we have even more worrying indications that all is not well with bee populations. Studies in the US, where in some states the numbers of bees have been suddenly, perhaps catastrophically, decimated have talked of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). This happens when a hive's inhabitants suddenly disappear. According to a report in 15th April edition of The Independent "The vanished bees are never found, but thought to die singly far from home. The parasites, wildlife and other bees that normally raid the honey and pollen left behind when a colony dies, refuse to go anywhere near the abandoned hives."

This strange and worrying tale takes another turn when CCD is linked to mobile phones and electronic equipment. So far the CCD Working Group in the US is playing down this connection, noting that it has occurred in areas where there are no phone masts or reception. Other potential causes of CCD have been identified as harmful pesticides, increased solar radiation, falling queen fertility, and use of unauthorised bee treatments.

Who knows? However, yet again the fragility of our small planet is emphasised. We mess with our ecosystems at our peril and can initiate responses and changes that we can neither understand nor easily stop. One day we will view our world holistically - hopefully that day is not too far in the future, for all our sakes.