Vt. Studying Disappearance of Bumblebees - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Vt. Studying Disappearance of Bumblebees

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MONTPELIER, Vt. -

Vermont is taking a look at the health of its bumblebee population, as some species have practically disappeared.

Ecologist Leif Richardson tells Vermont Public Radio parasites carried by non-native bumblebees may be responsible for the decline in some of the state's 19 species. Others may be affected by pesticides and changes in habitat.

A statewide survey is relying on citizen-scientist volunteers to set up a database of species still found in the state. It's being led by Kent McFarland of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. He said some studies in Europe and Great Britain that show a large decline in bumblebees also show a decline in native plant species.
      
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.

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