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According to the Federal Register of The United States, over 7 yellow-faced bee species (Hylaeus genus) from the Hawaiian Islands have now been officially added to the Endangered Species List. This is the first time in history that any species of bee has been officially added to the list.

It is especially alarming for humans considering we rely on bees exponentially to pollinate our crops, which are then delegated in various ways toward nearly every food item we consume. Without bees, humans will have a tough go at survival, having to acquire enough food resources to continue supporting a rapidly expanding population.

In the Daily Journal of the United States Government;(1)

“We consider the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees vulnerable to extinction due to impacts associated with low numbers of individuals and populations…

…Threats to these species include agriculture and urban development; habitat destruction and modification by nonnative ungulates, nonnative plants, tsunamis, fire, drought, and hurricanes; the effects of climate change on habitat; loss of host plants; and predation or competition by nonnative ants, wasps, and bees. The effects of these threats are compounded by the low numbers of individuals and populations of the seven yellow-faced bees.”

These yellow-faced bees were once the most prominent and abundant of Hawaiian insects in the early 1900’s. Ranging from mountains and coastlines, all the way to the sub-alpine slopes of Mauna Kea.

Yet due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species – Hawaii’s only native, pollinating bees are now dangerously on the decline. Due to human error regarding the use of habitat loss and spraying dangerous chemical fertilizers, bees have experienced major colony collapse. Not to mention the invasive species of various other insects such as those that initiate subterfuge to overtake a hive, or even other, nonnative bees that compete for the same flowers.

What can be done? How can we help our buzzing bee buddies?

To help save the population of bees, consider starting your own bee hive or even planting edible flowers to help support their numbers. For anyone in Hawaii where these 7 yellow-faced bees are facing extinction, consider writing to your state legislature in support of saving the bees. Perhaps suggesting attempts at conservation, free of construction, agriculture, and invasive species.

Help save the bees and thus, you will help save the planet. ♥

Sources:

(1) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/30/2016-23112/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-endangered-status-for-49-species-from-the-hawaiian

(2) http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/bees-endangered-species-hawaii-yellow-faced0/

Image: http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnbhcw28AN1qijkeyo1_500.jpg

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