Nature NB is conducting field surveys in Fredericton this summer to study native bumblebees. Equipped with necessary tools like insect nets and vials, the conservation group aims to map bumblebee species in the region. This initiative, developed by the Mi’kmaq-led Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding of bumblebee habitats in New Brunswick and neighboring areas.
Francie Morgan, a program co-ordinator for Nature NB, emphasized the importance of collecting baseline data to guide conservation efforts. By documenting bumblebee locations consistently, the program aims to support informed decision-making for habitat protection and preservation.
Working in collaboration with various local partners, including the Amlamgog (Fort Folly) Habitat Recovery team, EOS Eco-Energy, and Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group, Nature NB is actively surveying multiple sites in Fredericton to identify different bumblebee species based on distinctive color patterns and body shapes.
The collected data is shared with organizations like the Unama’ki Institute and the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, as well as the global database iNaturalist, enabling researchers worldwide to access vital information for their conservation efforts.
Morgan highlighted the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems, emphasizing that protecting bumblebee habitats benefits a wide range of other pollinators and wildlife. The ongoing survey aligns with recent conservation efforts by the New Brunswick government, focusing on the recovery of threatened bumblebee species like the Bohemian cuckoo bumblebee and the yellow-banded bumblebee.
Shaylyn Wallace, species at-risk manager at the Department of Natural Resources, stressed the need for enhanced research and collaboration to fill knowledge gaps about bumblebee populations. Recognizing the crucial role of native bumblebees in maintaining plant diversity and ecosystem resilience, Wallace emphasized the importance of public awareness and action in supporting wild pollinators.
For individuals interested in contributing to bumblebee conservation, Morgan suggested allowing yard spaces to grow wild, creating essential foraging habitats for bumblebees and other pollinators. This grassroots approach can significantly impact local biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.