Much of British Columbia faced a drier spring than usual this year, a situation that experts and honey producers believe can negatively impact pollinators. In Kamloops, bee enthusiast Elaine Sedgman has observed a decline in native bee populations visiting her flowers. Sedgman, who volunteers with the Native Bee Society of B.C., diligently documents sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations across North America are dwindling, with climate-related events like droughts posing a significant threat to the plants that pollinators depend on. The nearly 500 estimated bee species in British Columbia are particularly at risk due to consecutive years of droughts and heatwaves, notably the 2021 heat dome.
As of the end of June, the B.C. Drought Information Portal reported that 27% of the province was experiencing some level of drought, an improvement from the 40% recorded in May. The dry conditions make it challenging for ground-nesting bees in B.C. to excavate and maintain their nests, impacting their ability to survive across seasons.
Behavioural ecologist Caleb Bryan highlighted that drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, affecting the sugar ratios and concentration in the nectar. This can decrease the food supply for bees and hinder their growth. Additionally, drought stress alters the signals that plants emit to bees, making flowers harder to locate and less appealing for pollinators.
Emily Huxter, owner of Wild Antho bee farm in North Okanagan, expressed concerns about potential reductions in honey production due to changes in nectar quality and quantity caused by plant stress. The farm anticipates understanding the impact of the spring drought on honey production in the coming weeks when the honey flow begins.
To support bee populations, Bryan suggested planting a variety of native plant species that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Having an abundance of flowers is crucial in areas where honey bees and native bees forage together to ensure an ample food supply for both.