Campaigners in Germany have underlined the precarious situation of an astonishing bumblebee species.
Experts from the ‘Deutschland summt!’ (Germany is buzzing) initiative said the shrill carder bee was having severe difficulties finding nesting places due to the expansion of agricultural activities.
The environmentalists explained that the pollinator also known as Bombus sylvarum is also threatened by excessive mowing. Its existence is considered endangered in several German states including Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The preferred habitats of the shrill carder bee, which has a wingspan of three centimetres (1.18 inches), are unobstructed meadows with a rich variety of flowers, orchards and the edges of forests.
The Bienen Journal magazine emphasises that the bumblebee species is “not a picky eater” as nectar and pollen but also honeydew are viable nutrition sources.
Shrill carder bees form communities of up to 150 animals. Their queens measure around queens 17 millimetres (0.69 inches).
The pollinator was named Germany’s Wild Bee of the Month in January by ‘Deutschland summt!‘ to raise awareness among citizens.
‘Deutschland summt!’ was established by Stiftung für Mensch und Umwelt, a Berlin-based foundation in 2010. Over the years, the campaigners have managed to get town council decision-makers across the country on board.
All of Germany’s 550 solitary bee species are listed as protected species by the country’s conservation of nature regulations. Around half of them are currently regarded as being ‘endangered’ or ‘seriously threatened by extinction.’
