The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has re- initiated a status review for four California Bumblebee species, possibly putting some of Joshua Tree’s most notorious airborne visitors on the California endangered species list.
The four bumblebee species back under review are the Crotch’s, Franklin’s, Suckley’s and Western Bumblebee. Litigation over the California Fish and Game Commission’s original determination that the species’ listing was warranted was followed by litigation over the decision – delaying candidacy and protection for the bees.
Following an appellate court decision upholding the Commission’s decision, candidacy was reinstated on September 30, 2022.
As candidates, the Crotch’s bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee, and western bumble bee receive the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species – making it is illegal to import, export, hunt, catch, capture, or kill the protected bees, as well as any product they make such as honey.
For more information on the protected species and next steps in their protection – you can see this link:
