Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Invasive Bees Reshape Patagonia: European species oust native; parasite spreads

What began as a farming fix in central Chile has, over four decades, reshaped pollinator communities across southern South America. Approximately 300 queens of Bombus ruderatus were introduced into central Chile in 1982-1983 from the New Zealand population to increase the yield of red clover seeds. This farming choice led to ecological alterations that are now putting the Bombus dahlbomii at risk of regional extinction. Bombus dahlbomii is the sole bumblebee species native to the area and is one of the biggest bumblebees in the Americas.

Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.