Critical Report Reveals One in Five Colorado Bumblebees Face Endangerment
Critical Report Reveals One in Five Colorado Bumblebees Face Endangerment In a recent study led by entomologist Adrian Carper and collaborators, the plight of Colorado's native pollinators has come to the forefront. The report, the first of its kind, sheds light on the alarming decline of these essential insects due to various human-induced factors. The study, which delved into the native pollinators of Colorado, including bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes, reveals a stark reality: over the past 35 years, populations of some pollinator species in the state have dwindled by more than half. Scientists and environmentalists are now advocating for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act for nearly 20% of Colorado's 24 native bumblebee species. Adrian Carper, based at CU Boulder and the CU Museum of Natural History, emphasizes the critical role of native pollinators in Colorado's ecosystem, agriculture, and tourism industry. From pollinating world-r...