Xercess Society
Bumble Bees in Decline
bee biologists notice decline abundance distribution several wild bumble bee species species yellow bumble bee rusty patched bumble bee western bumble bee Franklin’s bumble bees all like lavender rosemary and thyme important crop pollinators over ranges historically found may now be extinct. Dramatic decline wild populations of species occurred disease outbreak reported populations of commercially raised western bumble bees which were distributed for greenhouse pollination timing suggests escaped exotic disease organism may be cause widespread loss better understand what has happened Xerces Society work with scientist citizen monitor document former current range of species detailed past present distribution current search efforts help determine best methods for protecting remaining populations if you have any information on the distribution of bumble bees please help