What Needs to BEE Done

1. Cease use of pesticides and herbicides not only in agricultural fields but also in homes, parks, schools, buildings, forests and roads.

Pesticides not only have a harmful effect on the environment such as killing plants and animals but they also are linked to a wide range of human health hazards. These hazards include short-term impacts such as headaches and nausea to chronic impacts likes cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption (The Diet of Bees, 2003). Why would we repeatedly use a substance that not only destroys the environment we live in but also our bodies?

3. Attempt to establish a captive rearing program.

If queens are captured:

- Rear colonies in rearing chambers by collecting spring queens.

- Once many colonies are established, mated queens can be released into former habitat if threats are mitigated.

Captive breading has been more than beneficial for all different types of species facing extinction. One of the many benefits to captive breeding is that you have the opportunity to observe and research the animal’s behavior. Many species are difficult to observe in the wild, and being able to fully understand the species’ reproductive biology can be vital in assisting their conservation efforts. Another issue facing many endangered species today is loss in genetic diversity. Captive breeding programs can improve the loss of genetic diversity by injecting new genes into a small isolated genetic pool (Captive Breeding Programs to Ensure the Survival of Threatened and Endangered Species. 1987).

5. Survey historically occupied sites and suitable habitat to determine population status and species distribution

We must create an inventory program for the Rusty-Patched Bumble bee prioritized by most recent historic sites (from the past 15 years). We need to engage volunteers to undertake surveys, using photos to determine the presence or absence of the species (Endangered Species Program, 2003).

The most vital thing that needs to happen for the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee is to put it on the Endangered Species list immediately so we raise awareness and further protect the bee from extinction (Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Vermont Study for Ecosystems). By putting the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee on the list, more actions can be taken to protect this vital species from extinction. YOU can write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services asking them to finally put the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee on the list so that we can continue the growth of our beautiful flowers and crops. If we don’t, the bee will cease to exist, and that will be yet another bee species extinct in North America, and we are one more bee species closer to not having anymore bee species in the U.S. Without bees we won’t be able to pollinate our crops and grow food, causing the economy to crash because of the increase in prices for certain foods and food shortages in the U.S. will be at an all time high.

2. Protect, Maintain, and Improve habitat where Rusty-Patched Bumblebees were once in abundance.

To do this, all greenhouses and nearby facilities must be checked for the levels of pesticides and chemicals they release into the air that could harm the bees. If we are able to control the chemicals in the surrounding area, the species could have a chance of coming back (Breaking News, 2000). Other causes of habitat destruction such as logging and urbanization are a large part of the disappearance of the bee as well. Protesting these actions not only protect just the Rusty-Patched Bumble-Bee but it also protects the dozens of other species living in the same habitat as well, such as other types of various insects, foxes, rabbits and many more (Colla, 2010). It also protects the plant species growing that house these species, providing an aesthetic value to any neighborhood or town.

4. Implement a monitoring program

If the bee's population increases, then it is vital to their existence that they be monitored to insure that their population doesn’t become endangered again. By doing this we can also discover the root of their population decline in that particular area, and we can help improve whatever factor that was causing the decline and eliminate it completely so the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee can flourish once more in that specific area (Endangered Species Program. 2003).

6. Initiate research to address knowledge gaps for the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee

We need to carry out research on basic biology such as phenology, forage requirements, response to restoration practices, and nesting requirements (Endangered Species Program. 2003).

Small Actions Go A Long Way