Survey of Honey Bee Colony Losses in the U.S. (2007-2008)
Author Information
Author(s): vanEngelsdorp Dennis, Hayes Jerry Jr., Underwood Robyn M., Pettis Jeffery
Primary Institution: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry–Apiculture
Hypothesis
What are the factors contributing to honey bee colony losses in the U.S. during the winter of 2007-2008?
Conclusion
Between 0.75 and 1.00 million honey bee colonies are estimated to have died in the U.S. over the winter of 2007-2008.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 19% of the country's estimated 2.44 million colonies were surveyed.
- A total loss of 35.8% of colonies was recorded, an increase of 11.4% compared to last year.
- 60% of all colonies that were reported dead died without dead bees, possibly suffering from CCD.
- Large operations were more likely to report symptoms of CCD.
Takeaway
Many honey bee colonies died during the winter of 2007-2008, and we need to understand why to help save them in the future.
Methodology
Surveys were conducted among beekeepers to quantify colony losses and identify management factors contributing to these losses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data from beekeepers regarding their losses.
Limitations
The survey may not capture all losses as it relies on beekeeper reports and may exclude smaller operations.
Participant Demographics
Survey included beekeepers from various operation sizes across the U.S.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 30.5–41.3%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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