Wildlife

Wild Bee Conservation Welfare

Wild bee populations are declining dramatically from habitat loss, pesticides, and disease, threatening pollination services and bee welfare.

Key Facts

Over 20,000 species of wild bees exist globally with many facing population declines
Bumblebees show evidence of emotional states including pessimistic cognitive bias when stressed
Neonicotinoid pesticides impair bee navigation and learning
Wild bee populations support 35% of global food production through pollination

Welfare Considerations

Wild bees experiencing pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and disease may experience negative states analogous to stress or discomfort. Whether bees have welfare in a morally significant sense is scientifically debated, but their ecological importance means protecting bee populations protects the welfare of countless other species dependent on pollinated plants.

What You Can Do

Plant diverse native flowering plants to support wild bee forage
Avoid neonicotinoid pesticides in your garden and advocate for their restriction
Support organic farming that reduces pesticide exposure for bees
Provide nesting habitat through leaving bare ground and stem sections for wild bees