Study finds Minnesota state bee in tough shape

Analysis of DNA Reveals Urgency in Conserving Endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bees

For the first time, researchers have analyzed the DNA of rusty patched bumble bees across the insect’s range. The results add urgency to efforts to conserve the endangered species.

Genetic Makeup and Conservation

• Using a non-lethal technique, scientists collected tiny leg sections from bees to determine their genetic makeup.
• They found low genetic diversity and inbreeding.
• The numbers of colonies represented by these individuals are much lower than expected, even in areas where the rusty patched bumblebee is considered a stronghold.

The rusty patched bumble bee was once common from Minnesota to the northeastern U.S. and in the Appalachian Mountains.

Starting about 25 years ago, the bumble bee experienced a precipitous 90 percent population decline.

It was listed as endangered in 2017. In 2019, the rusty patched bumble bee was named the Minnesota state bee.

One of the remaining known populations is found around the Twin Cities.

University of Minnesota researcher Elaine Evans has been observing the rusty patched bumble bees for 20 years.

This DNA analysis reinforced her concern that just adding more habitat might not be enough to save the species.

“As bee conservationists, we all just want to think about the bees out there living their best lives out in the wild, having enough habitat out there to do what they need to do,” said Evans. “But the reality of the situation might be they might get to a point where to keep the species going they might need to be brought inside by people and captively raised.”

The study found genetic differences among isolated populations. The Appalachian bees are genetically different from Midwest bees, and the Minnesota bees had genetic variations from other Midwest bees.

Mola said that means conservation efforts should not mix genetically distinct populations together.

The finding of low colony numbers also has implications for management decisions. Burning habitat produces better food for bees in the long term.

“What are the short-term consequences for that,” said Mola. “Do we run a large risk of killing colonies when we burn? And if so, how do we find that balance between the long-term benefits of burning versus that short-term risk of mortality?”

That’s just one of the questions raised by this study that needs more research. But now bee conservationists have the baseline data to begin developing a strategy to save the endangered bee.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 13: Climate Action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index – This indicator measures the extinction risk of species and provides information on the overall status of biodiversity.
– Indicator 15.5.2: Abundance index of terrestrial and freshwater species – This indicator measures the abundance of species in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer – This indicator measures the extent to which countries are incorporating climate change measures into their policies and strategies.
– Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula – This indicator measures the integration of climate change education and awareness into educational curricula.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: mprnews.org

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.