A University of Calgary student is looking for help with bumblebee conservation efforts by asking people in the region to track the insects.
“We all know bees are declining,” said Jennifer Retzlaff, a bee researcher with Wildlife Preservation Canada.
Currently studying her Masters of Science, Retzlaff discussed bumblebees at the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation June 27.
“(Approximately) 30 per cent of all species may be in decline,” she said
For that reason, she is asking regular park-goers to “trade bird watching for bees” to help increase the bumblebee database while gaining a better understanding of species populations.
People can help track bee species in Alberta by photographing them in the park (and at home) between July and September and posting their finds to the bumblebee watch site, bumblebeewatch.org.
“Get photos of their side, top and face,” Retzlaff said.
With more than 800 different species of bees in Canada – 400 known in Alberta – Retzlaff explained the causes of the decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, parasites and pathogens, and climate change.
Last Tuesday’s talk was one of a series that will be held throughout the summer at the Glenbow Park Ranch in the hope of “sustaining its biodiversity.”
FACTBOX
How to help bumblebees
Provide overwintering site, such as undisturbed patches of habitat, allowing lead litter, standing dead twigs/stem or other ground cover to remain.
Plant a variety of flowers.
Leave vegetation.
Start a ‘pollinator’ garden.
“The less you take care of your yard, the more you are helping the bees,” Retzlaff said.
