Introduced bumble bee species thrives, causing concern about native pollinators in Lower Mainland

Introduced bumble bee species thrives, causing concern about native pollinators in Lower Mainland

Illustration of a large bee climbing onto Vancouver's Science World

Photo: Khushi Anand / The Ubyssey

October 8, 2024

Recent research from UBC’s Plant-Pollinator and Global Change (PPGC) Lab revealed notable decreases in the local western bumble bee population, with a non-native species dominating the area. The common eastern bumble bee — or Bombus impatiens — was first introduced to the region in the 1990s to pollinate in greenhouses. Melissa Platsko, a recent MSc graduate from the PPGC Lab, said recorded sightings started in 2003.

Since then, B. impatiens has become one of the most popular species of bees in the region, making up as many as “about 40 to 50 per cent proportionally of the bees” Platsko and her team catch in surveys.

In terms of ways to get involved, Platsko encouraged individuals to go to local pollinator events, such as UBC Farm’s Pollinator Walks and Bee Safaris, to learn about bees in the Lower Mainland as well as to native garden events where people can learn about and plant local flowers that can support all pollinators in the region.

Read the full article at The Ubyssey.