Investigating imperiled bumble bee species distributions and habitat associations

Bumble bee population declines have been attributed to several interacting stressors,
including land-use alteration and climate change. Little research has investigated the
extent to which these stressors interact to alter bumble bee species distribution, habitat
association, and habitat suitability. The impact of these stressors is further exacerbated
for threatened and endangered species given their potential to have small populations,
restricted habitats, and reduced gene flow, potentially reducing their long-term
viability. Here, I evaluated the cumulative effects of climate and landscape structure on
the endangered rusty patched and threatened yellow-banded bumble bee. Additionally, I
assessed species distribution and habitat suitability based on historic and current
occurrences for both species. This research aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of stressors driving bumble bee population shifts and to establish a
foundation for ex situ colony reintroductions by identifying highly suitable sites within
their historic range that are in accordance with the ecological requirements of each
species. Overall, the goal is to increase knowledge to support conservation and
recovery efforts for imperiled bumble bee species to secure long-term viability.