What Is Killing Off the Pollinators?

LAND-USE CHANGES

Pollinators thrive in diverse habitats with a mix of native vegetation. But converting land for agriculture often destroys that biodiversity, reducing pollinator health.

DISEASE AND PARASITES

Bees in particular have been victimized by a range of microscopic threats, which can weaken them–and leave them more vulnerable to other dangers.

PESTICIDE USE

Pesticides like neonicotinoids can kill not only the insects that destroy harvests but also some of the bees, bats and other bugs that help crops reproduce.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Rising global temperatures shift the range of habitats where bees and other pollinators can survive. Scientists fear current trends could worsen as the world warms.