Helmer, J. (2019). How to Turn Cities Into Pollinator Sanctuaries. Retrieved 12 November 2019, from https:/nextcity.org/features/view/how-to-turn-cities-into-pollinator-sanctuaries
The honey bee was once an invasive, or exotic species from Europe introduced during the colonization of the New World. Now, the honey bee provides an essential ecosystem service through its pollination. In order to protect this immigrant species from a dwindling population, Battery Park has started an urban hive project. The park and its hives provide a biodiverse environment that attracts bees to the urban landscape. As the urban population and land expands, honey bees are increasingly pushed out of their natural habitats. By providing hives, the Battery allows a honey bee community to continue within the city.
With the increasing human population, I do not think it’s viable and reasonable to limit or avoid urban expansion. Instead, I believe initiatives to incorporate the natural wildlife into urban life should expand. On another note, the honey bees are a perfect example of how invasive species are not an absolutely negative phenomenon. Rather than push a native species out, the European honey bee filled an environmental niche and helped native plants grow and spread.
It was interesting to read about an invasive species that proved to be beneficial for the ecosystem however its sad considering the bee’s current state as that population is dying out. Is this process part of the cycle of invasive species or should we be doing more to save them?
A species can be considered “invasive”, like the honeybee, but not be destructive! Our domestic ecosystems are dependent on the honeybee to pollinate plants. We should be trying our hardest to protect the honeybee.
I agree with you that we need to incorporate natural wildlife more into our urban environment, and I think in addition to creating more sanctuaries for this wildlife we should also be making our urban environments less harsh on animals and create more natural corridors for wildlife.
That’s totally right. Our urban spaces should be welcoming and harmonious to wildlife. Thanks for responding!