The Vanishing Honey Bees

Honey bees, scientifically known as 'Apis mellifera,' are one of the critical pollinators on our planet.

However, they are disappearing at an alarming rate, a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

Although the reason for this occurrence is still debated, experts believe multiple factors contribute to CCD.

This includes mite infections, poor nutrition due to habitat loss, exposure to pesticides, and climate change.

CCD was first reported in the U.S in 2006 when beekeepers started noticing their hives were empty.

This is a great concern because 70 out of 100 crops that provide 90% of the world's food are pollinated by bees.

If bees were to disappear, these crops would fail, leading to potentially catastrophic food shortages.

Honey bees also contribute approximately 15 billion dollars to the U.S.

economy through their pollination services.

Bees essentially act as a free workforce.

Efforts are being made globally to save this irreplaceable insect species, including creating bee-friendly habitats and reducing the use of harmful pesticides.

The fight to save honey bees is not just about preserving biodiversity; it's a matter of food security as well..