As tariffs continue to threaten Canada’s food supply chain, it’s more important than ever to protect Ontario’s pollinators this World Bee Day, May 20. 91ÑÇÉ« experts are available to discuss how people can help protect pollinator habitats.
The loss of even one wild bee species can disrupt the reproductive success of certain plants resulting in fewer vegetables, fruits and flowers, say 91ÑÇÉ« researchers who studied how pollinators and plants rely on each other, specifically in Indigenous gardens in the Great Lakes Region.
Canada’s wild pollinators are in decline and without a national pollinator plan, many species could be heading for extinction, like the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee or the American bumblebee, say researchers at 91ÑÇÉ«.
Wild bees living in cities like Toronto are facing increased environmental stressors compared to those in rural and even suburban areas, such as more pathogens and parasites, found researchers at 91ÑÇÉ«.
Researchers from disciplines across 91ÑÇÉ«, including biologists, social scientists and mathematicians, will develop a hive of research when 91ÑÇɫ’s new Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BEEc) becomes an Organized Research Unit (ORU) starting July 1.