The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended that four species of native bumble bees be granted “candidate species” status as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Among them is Crotch’s Bumble Bee (Bombus crotchii), which was recently spotted in the Wilderness park, nectaring on Caterpillar Phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria).
Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii) is already considered Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); it only persists in 20% of its historic range, and has declined by 98% in relative abundance (its abundance relative to other species of bumble bees). This bee historically occurred from the northern Central Valley to Baja Mexico, but currently persists primarily in southern coastal habitats and some areas to the north and southwest of Sacramento.
If you would like to support the nomination of the Crotch’s Bumble Bee to Endangered Species candidate, please email the Fish & Game Commission at fgc@fgc.ca.gov, preferably by June 7. The vote will occur on June 12.
For more information, please see the Xerces Society press release.
Friends of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park 