Disappearing Honey Bees – Billions Vanishing Without A Trace?
April 24, 2007 (17 Responses)
BILLIONS of honey bees in the US and Europe have disappeared in the last year or so, as in vanished completely. No dead bodies. No evidence. No nothing… just a very very large absence of bees. This phenomenon was first noticed late last year in the USA and has been christened “Colony Collapse Disorder” by the scientists. I know it sounds like some science fiction introduction, but this is actually happening for real and it’s got a lot of people very worried.
So, why should you care?
Well, those honey bees are used to pollinate fruits, crops and nuts on an annual basis. In the US alone this crop is estimated to be worth approximately $15 billion (€11 billion), however this problem is not just limited to the US, it’s happening in Europe as well. This phenomenon is also putting a large dent in honey production and has the science community across the globe truely puzzled.
There are many theories floating around as to what is causing this strange and worrying trend amongst the bee population, but the most prevalent is that mobile phone masts are to blame. The theory is that radiation from mobile phones interferes with bees’ navigation systems, preventing the famously homeloving species from finding their way back to their hives. Improbable as it may seem, there is now some evidence to back this up.
It’s kind of scary when you think about it – that entire colonies of bees are just being wiped out – because the long term impact of such a catastrophe could be far reaching, in respect of food production, harvests and of course the insect food chain itself on our fragile little world.
Worried yet? Well consider this little nugget then…
Albert Einstein is alleged to have speculated that “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.”
I hardly think we have four years left, but it’s still going to create a nasty imbalance in nature if the scientific community don’t figure out what the hell is causing this, and put a stop to it, and as we all know nature abhorse a vacuum.
Just thought you should know!
Fasdcinating stuff about fascinating creatures. I love and respect bees a LOT. However, pollination can be done other ways- in Japan, believe it or not, as long ago as 1965,( and maybe even before that) farmer were hand-pollinating fruit blossoms. Why, I don’t know- perhaps they had a problem with their bees, too.
Let’s hope that bees aren’t endangered- I would miss their busy, furry bodies and the buzzing which gives me a great deal of joy!.
There’s something jolly stinky about this whole disappearing shenanigans.
thank you for your information but your website did not help me at all i needed to know why the bees are disappearing and you just told me a bunch of bull.
Kayla – at the time of writing this article (approx 3 weeks ago) the cause of the disappearing bees was unknown; at most it was speculated that radiation from the mobile phones / masts was to blame for interfering with the bees directional/homing capabilities.
I believe the article actuually said this – so I’m a little confused about your comment, but you are entitled to think whatever you wish.
Hopefully – at the very least – it will spurn you to go search for the answers on the usual news sites and websites.
Interesting to know that such a small organism can cause such a big catastrophe on earth. Hopefully scientist will be able to stop whatever is causing the honey bees from becoming extinct and prevent further damage on earth.
I really hadn’t heard about the issue about the bees my friend just told me about it. I really thought it was interesting and Thanks to this page I had enough information to do a speech about it…..Thanks! Oh don’t worry I wrote your this source on my paper ok!
No worries Alejandra, I’m delighted the content was put to some good use:)
Tis true! In Eaton Rapids Michigan I notice the absence of honey bees. In previous years, standing under our 4 apple trees was like listening to a violin symphony. The bees by the thousands were busy gathering nectar and pollinating the blossoms. This year, I have seen 2 or 3 honey bees. I have seen couple of the big black & yellow bumble bees. Could have been more, but since they fly quite fast, could be the same few.
I use no chemicals on the trees except couple years ago I sprayed with “dormant oil” before the blossoms appeared.
I’d like to know where the honey bees went to and any theory as to why.
Thanks
OTHER THEORY OF THE BEES ARE COULD BE THE GENENIC ALTERED PLANTS. COULD BE THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMELS BACK.
might i say this situation is louding speakind to man kind especially to the politicians. they just don’t get it, just one leg with all that pollen on one bee carries millions of human beings lives. i look at the lion, tiger, bear, rattle snakes, etc. i am convince the most extreme danger to the survile of the human race is mans thinking.
Albert Einstein is alleged to have speculated that “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.”
A search of Einsteins quotes reveals that he did not say this.
Still, alarming though.
I have seen a decline in BEES In Virginia and North Carolina. I remember as a kid sitting in out yard and honey bees would be all over and now there are none.
Thanks so much for your professional knowledge associated with this good topic. But to determine the perfect essay writing you have to know someth. just about essay buying.
The furthest distance in the world Is not between life and death metin2 yangmetin2 yangBut when I
In the dungeon fighter online, Dungeon Fighter gold is very important. You can do some task, and with your friends together to get the Dungeon Fighter Online gold.
Только тут реклама на радио в Киеве, недорого
[...] etc), estão a desaparecer. Desde 2006 que tem acontecido o chamado Colony Collapse Disorder. Não se sabe o porquê. No entanto, há estudos controversos que apontam para a causa poder ser a demasiada utilização [...]