News: May 2004

Research by the London Zoological Society has indicated that many urban habitats, including gardens, contribute significantly to the needs of several bumblebee species.

The research concentrated on the foraging behaviour of the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and the common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum). They found that bumblebees can travel extraordinary distances in when foraging; perhaps as much as three to four kilometres. They calculated that the average urban garden could be visited by bees from around five colonies. The bees were found to capitalise on the network of parks, gardens, waste-grounds and other open urban habitats.

Zoological Society of London. 2004. There's a buzz in the city. Viewed on the web at http://www.zsl.org/news/n_0000001491.asp on May 22nd 2004.