What's the Buzz About? Progress and Potential of Acoustic Monitoring Technologies for Investigating Bumble Bees

Pollination is a vital ecosystem service for both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Most flowering plants-including many staples in the human diet such as fruits, vegetables and nuts- require animals for pollination. The majority is done by over 20,000 species of bees, some of which are managed commercially to provide these services. The global industry of pollination is valued at US $153 billion annually and is increasing in demand to meet the needs of a growing human population [1]. However, both managed and wild bees, especially the ecologically and economically important bumble bees (Bombus spp.), are suffering alarming declines worldwide, presenting serious implications for food security and biodiversity. Despite numerous pleas by farmers and scientists for improved management and monitoring methods [2], [3], precision techniques for these essential pollinators are still lacking.