There is growing concern worldwide regarding a new threat to the bee population. The Guardian recently reported a dramatic decline in bee numbers in the USA. The phenomenon is called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), in which whole populations of hives just ‘disappear’. The report reflects on various causes ranging from climate change to stress. In the US thousands of swarms are trucked coast-to-coast on tour, pollinating fruit crops such as California’s massive almond industry. The syndrome is also affecting colonies in Europe and an international research effort is under way, based in Switzerland, aimed at solving the mystery. Meanwhile in Spain populations are dropping dramatically. A Spanish blog, Miscelánea de Noticias Apícolas de España, gives regular up to date information.
Tags: bees, Colony Collapse Disorder