Much of British Columbia has faced a drier spring than usual this year, a situation that experts and beekeepers warn could negatively impact pollinators. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, has observed a decline in native bee populations visiting her flowers this season. Sedgman, who volunteers with the Native Bee Society of British Columbia, actively tracks sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations in North America are dwindling, with climate-related events such as droughts posing a significant threat to their survival by stressing the plants that bees rely on for pollination. British Columbia, home to an estimated 500 bee species, has been grappling with consecutive years of droughts and heatwaves, notably the 2021 heat dome event.
As per the B.C. Drought Information Portal, by the end of June, 27% of the province was experiencing some level of drought, showing improvement from the 40% recorded in May. Caleb Bryan, a behavioral ecologist, points out that bees in B.C. are particularly vulnerable to droughts since many of them nest in the ground, making it challenging for them to excavate and maintain nests in dry and hardened soils.
Drought conditions can lead to changes in flower behavior, affecting nectar production and altering sugar ratios and concentrations. This reduction in nectar and pollen availability can impact bee populations’ food supply, potentially hindering their growth and survival. Additionally, drought-stressed plants may alter their signals to bees, making it harder for them to locate flowers for pollination.
Emily Huxter, a bee farmer in the North Okanagan, notes that changes in nectar quality and quantity due to plant stress often result in reduced honey production. She expresses concerns about the potential impact of this year’s conditions on honey production. To support bee populations during challenging times, Bryan recommends planting a variety of native plant species that bloom throughout the seasons to ensure a stable food source for both honey bees and native bees.
