For the first time in the country's history, a species of bee could receive federal protection under the U.S.' Endangered Species Act.
The move comes after an environmental group highlighted the disappearance of 87 percent of the insects' population.
According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the rusty-patched bumblebee used to thrive in the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard. However, over the years, more than 80 percent of its population has disappeared from its natural habitats.
As for the region where it can still be found, its numbers have also declined by about 95 percent.
The organization explained that the disappearance of the rusty-patched bumblebee is caused by various factors. These include the regular use of pesticides, climate change, parasites and habitat loss due to industrial operations.
But aside from these, probably one of the biggest threats to the bee species is the spread of disease that came from commercially rmanaged bees that are used to pollinate farms.
"The research that has been done shows that in many cases managed bumbles are full of a variety of pathogens that are harmful to wild bees," Sarina Jepsen, the endangered species program director for the organization said according to Take Part.
"But we're still trucking managed bumblebees all over the country," she added. "There really are no standards to ensure that they are free of diseases before they're moved around."
Due to the threats facing the welfare of bees, the Xerces Society launched a petition in 2013 to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to grant the rusty-patch bumblebee federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Since the government agency did not respond to the petition, the organization filed a lawsuit against in 2014. Following the lawsuit, the Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to carry out a review process that will last for 12 months to determine if the rusty-patched bumblebee will be included in the Endangered Species Act's list.
According to the Xerces Society, the agency's decision regarding this matter is vital due to the huge role bees play in pollinating crops in the country.
If the insects pass the agency's review process, then their natural habitats and other elements needed in their survival will also receive protection from the U.S. government. In addition, it can also develop awareness from the public and raise environmental support to prevent the bees from going extinct.
"We are happy that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes the uncertainty that hangs over the future of the rusty-patched bumblebee," Xerces Society's executive director Scott Hoffman Black said according to Yuba Net.
"We hope that the Service will complete the 12-month status review on time and take the necessary steps to ensure protection for this valuable pollinator," he added.
