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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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From:
Peter L Borst <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 26 Jul 2013 08:50:06 -0400
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> the decline in wild pollinators

There is no evidence that wild pollinators have ever been or ever could be sufficient to pollinate crops, except in certain areas where there is a lot of natural habitat near the crops. Native bees generally do not fly far from the nests. Hence, to increase native pollinators, habitat has to be created near the fields, which would put them at greater risk of damage from pesticides. There is also is no reliable evidence that pollinators are declining in general, although some species seem to be dying out (evolution, by the way, includes extinction)

Whereas, honeybees and bumblebees can be transported into crop areas, while being raised away from such areas in relative safety from the hazards of modern agricultural. There should be large sanctuaries for native fauna and flora. These shouldn't be mixed into a modern ag setting. Meanwhile, the remaining non-crop areas should be allowed to become globalized. There is simply no justification to attempt to eradicate non-native species, except in the conservation areas.

The mixed form of biome that we have in my vicinity is a perfect example of what I am talking about. There are a lot of native plants, but many of the main honey and pollen plants are non-native and/or invasive species. There is an abundance of native pollinators, no evidence of pollinator decline, and the bee population is adequate to get pollination done, without bringing in out of state bees.

Pete

See:
Marris, E. (2011). Rambunctious garden: saving nature in a post-wild world. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
Larson, B. (2011). Metaphors for environmental sustainability: redefining our relationship with nature. Yale University Press.

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