Collapse of bees: Possible causes and consequences of their disappearance in nature
Journal Title: ACTA Apicola Brasilica - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Bees perform several very important functions that contribute to the functioning of our planet. Among all the benefits that they offer, we can consider their primordial role as natural environments and agricultural crops pollinators. In addition, we are also benefited by products from beekeeping, such as honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly and apitoxin. Despite such importance, bees are in process of disappearance in many parts of the world. This large population decline is known worldwide as "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD). Several factors are associated with this collapse, and are mostly caused directly or indirectly by anthropogenic actions. However, man is not the only responsible, natural factors are also contributing to the decline in bee’s population. There are many consequences to mankind and nature in this situation, if bees continue to disappear, the ecosystem, the biodiversity and thousands of fauna and flora species interdependence will be threatened. In face of the situation, the present work intends to demonstrate the importance of bees on various aspects and to warn about the possible causes and consequences of their disappearance in nature.
Authors and Affiliations
Stephanie Castro Caires, Denise Barcelos
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