There is often chatter about the need to protect whatever charismatic species has recently been marketed into public attention, and if lucky public concern. Often characterized as charismatic megafauna, species like the bengal tiger, the giant panda, or the humpback whale are flagship species of conservation programs. These species garner affection and concern so successfully that they introduce a degree of taxonomic bias in environmental protection. On the other hand, there are species that have been branded “uninteresting, strange, or ugly” making them uniquely difficult to protect (Purdue. 2016).
In the age of social media, charismatic species have been given a new platform. In the case of the honey bee, you might say the conversation is abuzz. Since 2007, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has become a serious source of concern and discourse (Bee-Health. 2019). And I often wonder, how did this species, being so taxonomically different from it’s charismatic counterparts, make it to the realm of mainstream concern.
I believe that the answer lies in the gravity and pervasiveness of CCD, which is defined as the rapid loss of adult bees from colonies. CCD also stipulates that this disappearance cannot be attributed to queen health, food availability, brood size, or parasitic damage (Williams et. al, 2010). While CCD is not the only cause of honey bee morbidity, it is ranked 8th by US beekeepers as cause for colony mortality (Williams et. al, 2010). CCD contributes to the ongoing pollination crisis which further impacts global food production (Farooqui, 2013).
There have been a number of proposed causes of CCD over the years, with much speculation that pesticides may be the culprit. The non-target impacts of pesticides are broad and are the subject of current research. After our class discussions of endocrine disruptors, I wondered if something similar were at play and landed on one hypothesis that suggests that amines-based-pesticides, neonicotinoids and formamidines, disrupt neuronal cholinergic and octopaminergic signaling causing oxidative stress (Farooqui, 2013). This oxidative stress may then cause damages to subsequent cognitive outcomes resulting in honey bees abandoning their hives (Farooqui, 2013).
This hypothesis is supported by other research that found that small amounts of neonicotinoids can result in disorientation, impaired communication, shortened life span, and irregularities in brood cycle (Farooqui, 2013). The reach of pesticides is further confirmed by the presence of pesticide mixtures within bee bodies, pollen and nectar, wax, food stores and the like. Many formamidines, with known negative impacts to honey bees, are still used and available in US markets. Remnants of formamidine and neonicotinoids, in combination with other stressors are believed to be key elements in CCD events (Farooqui, 2013).
In sum, the pesticide theory of colony collapse disorder is supported by much research, but remains largely unconfirmed. It further raises questions of the non-target impacts of broad pesticide use. At the very least, we can hope the charisma and importance of the honey bee continues to propel this research forward.
Liz, a great contribution to the discussion surrounding CCD and the taxonomic bias in "eco-relief". While we hear of many negatives coming from social media, I believe that it will be one of the biggest tools we have as ecologists. The potential speed at which we can educate the public grows greater each day.
ReplyDeleteWhile there is still much to be done, I think articles like yours can highlight hope for less charismatic species. I truly think educating the public will be our greatest aid in our ecological efforts. Good to have those like you representing the science and Odum's mission.