Kew Gardens Scientists Launch UK Study to Combat Declining Bee Populations

Honey bees maintain a stable colony temperature of 34.5 °C during reproduction, which accelerates the development of nurse bees and enhances colony nurturing capabilities, though it shortens individual bee lifespan, highlighting an evolutionary trade-off benefiting the colony as a whole. Urban beekeeping is legal but regulated, requiring hive registration and proper management to prevent nuisances like swarming, with city health departments enforcing compliance through complaints and requiring property owners to remove problematic hives. To address the global decline in bee populations caused by habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides, scientists at Kew Gardens are using bio-acoustic sensors to track tree species bees prefer, aiming to inform urban planning and improve pollinator habitats. Bee populations are critical for biodiversity and crop yields, and ongoing research and community engagement, including hands-on hive management workshops, emphasize the importance of protecting bees to sustain food systems and ecosystems. Historical perspectives also underline bees' vital role beyond their defensive capabilities, reinforcing the imperative to safeguard them today.