.. rst-class:: bee-header

Pollinator Conservation
-----------------------

.. qa::

   Is there a honey bee shortage in the U.S. today? Are honey bees facing extinction?

   Honey bees (`Apis mellifera`) are not at risk of extinction. In fact,
   managed colony numbers globally in recent years are relatively stable
   or increasing due to active beekeeping. However, this does not mean
   they are thriving. U.S. beekeepers commonly report annual colony losses of 30–50%,
   largely due to:

   * Parasitic mites (`Varroa destructor`)
   * Viruses associated with mites
   * Pesticide exposure
   * Poor nutrition
   * Management stress
   * Queen issues

.. qa::

   What are the important distinctions between honey bees and native
   bees?

   Honey bees are a managed agricultural species and losses are
   replaced by beekeepers splitting colonies.  Native bees (wild bees)
   are of greater conservation concern. North America has ~4,000
   native bee species. Many are declining, though data are
   incomplete. Bumble bees are among the best studied and according to
   the IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group, about 25–30% of North
   American bumble bee species are at risk of extinction, with some
   species (e.g., rusty patched bumble bee) already federally listed
   as endangered.

.. qa::

   What are the basic needs of honey bees if we want to protect them?

   Bees require four key resources:

   * Nesting habitat - managed hives or natural cavities (tree
     hollows)
   * Favorable microclimate - warm, dry, sunlit locations,
     protected from excessive wind and moisture
   * Protection from stressors such as parasites (especially Varroa),
     diseases, pesticides
   * A consistent, and diverse forage (food source) and clean water
     source. This includes a continuous bloom from early spring
     through fall, high-quality pollen (protein) and nectar (energy),
     and plant diversity is critical for nutrition and immune health
     for all bees and pollinators.

.. qa::

   According to research, we have seen a 78% decline in insect
   biomass. What are some of the reasons for this decline?

   * Pesticides
   * Pollution
   * Invasive species
   * Climate change
   * Parasites and disease
   * Habitat loss

.. qa::

   Out of those listed above, what is the number one reason so many of
   our pollinators are in decline?

   Habitat loss due to: Urban development and large-scale agriculture
   reduces diverse flowering plants Monocultures (single-crop farms)
   provide food for only short periods Many landscapes (lawns,
   roadsides) lack trees, shrubs and plants that provide nectar and
   pollen sources.

.. qa::

   What can people help pollinators in Georgia?

   Protecting pollinators doesn't require a single, sweeping
   solution. Instead, it involves combining many small, practical
   steps across different landscapes, ensuring that bees and other
   pollinators have access to food, shelter, and nesting sites
   throughout the year. Here are some ways everyone can support
   pollinators.

   a. Plant for continuous bloom. Aim for something blooming from
      early spring to late fall. Use native plants whenever possible
      (they support more species) and think in terms of the
      season. Also, planting native trees and shrubs can offer a large
      amount of bloom with limited footprint.

      * Spring: redbud,blueberry, clover
      * Summer: sourwood, coneflower, bee balm
      * Fall: goldenrod, asters

   b. Avoid or limit pesticide use Avoid spraying blooming plants If
      you must treat, spray at dusk when bees and other pollinators
      aren’t active Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instead of
      routine spraying Be cautious with systemic products (they can
      end up in nectar/pollen)

   c. Allow “messy” landscapes. Dead stems, bare ground, and leaf
      litter support nesting for native bees

   d. Protect and restore open, sunny habitats such as meadows,
      roadsides, field margins, utility rights-of-way

   e. Reduce grass lawns and limit mowing especially during bloom
      season.

   f. Promote habitat connectivity Large, continuous areas are more
      valuable than small fragmented patches.

   g. Support local beekeepers and pollinator programs

   h. Encourage urban and suburban pollinator plantings

   i. Educate people young and old about the importance of pollinators