Bees: It's OK to value honey bees and native species

Researchers report that North America's bee populations are declining but evidence does not show managed honey bees are the main cause; habitat loss, rising temperatures, extreme weather, disease and pesticides are cited as major drivers.

North America's bee populations are in trouble, but the evidence does not point to managed honey bees as the primary cause. Many species of bees, including honey bees, are struggling. Commercial beekeepers experienced record losses of more than 60% of colonies in the winter of 2024–25, and about half of honey bee colonies die each winter on average. Scientists highlight habitat loss, climate shifts, disease and pesticide exposure as key stresses on pollinators. Key facts about bees and threats: - About one-fifth of pollinators in North America are considered at risk for extinction, according to the article. - Honey bees are important for agriculture and managed colonies are especially used in intensively farmed areas that lack wild habitat. - Only a small share of studies directly measure whether honey bee competition affects the long-term survival or reproduction of native bees; one review found 15% of 116 studies did so. - Many studies report no detectable change in native bee behavior or abundance where honey bees are present, and some surveys find positive associations between honey bee and native bee abundance in the same habitats. - The leading drivers of pollinator declines reported are land use change and management, rising temperatures and extreme weather, and pesticide use. Summary: The article reports that managed honey bees play a central role in crop pollination but are not shown by current evidence to be the primary cause of native bee declines. Research gaps remain on long-term population-level effects and monitoring; the article notes measures discussed in the literature such as restoring floral diversity, protecting wildlands and expanding monitoring efforts as part of the broader response.