According to scientists, war zones, microplastics and street lights are emerging threats to bee populations.
Over the next decade, bee experts have presented a list of 12 most pressing threats to pollinators, namely emerging threats and opportunities to protect pollinators around the world, from a report from the University of Reading.
Scientists warn that the world's growing war and conflict are harming bees. This includes the war in Ukraine, which forced the country to grow fewer crops and did not have a diverse pollinator throughout the season.
The researchers found that microplastic particles contaminated bees throughout Europe, and in most honeycombs, testing of 315 bee colonies revealed synthetic materials such as PET plastic. It has been found that artificial lighting of street lights can reduce flower visits to night pollinators by 62%, and air pollution has been found to affect its survival, reproduction and growth.
Antibiotics used in agriculture have entered beehives and honey. They were also found to affect the behavior of pollinators, including reducing their foraging and access to flowers. Pesticide “cocktails” also play an important and emerging role. Although some pesticides are now regulated as a “safe” limit for bees and other wildlife, studies have found that they can interact with other chemicals and cause dangerous effects.
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Professor Simon Potts of the University of Reading, said: “Identifying new threats and finding ways to protect pollinators as early as possible is key to preventing further significant declines. This is not just about protecting media. Pollinators are at the heart of our food systems, climate resilience and economic security.
The authors call for many measures to protect bees, including laws that limit antibiotic pollution, harm the health of bees, transition to electric vehicles to reduce air pollution affecting pollinators, form affluent habitats in solar parks, and reproduce with enhanced pollen and nectar, thus obtaining better pollinator nutrition.
The report's co-author, Dr. Deepa Senapathi, is also from the University of Reading. He added: “Everyone needs to work on addressing these threats. We need to maintain, manage and improve natural habitats to create natural habitats and create safe spaces for pollinators. Various actions such as individual actions, such as providing food and nesting areas in our rear guards, have great consequences. Pollinator-friendly habitats.”
