Rečmel: Measures to support populations of endangered bumblebee species
Project objectives
The aim is to develop methodological procedures that will lead to the long-term protection of endangered bumblebee species such as Bombus subterraneus, B. distinguendus, B. ruderatus, B. confusus and B. veteranus. The sub-objectives are:
- to determine the level of inbreeding in captive and wild populations using whole-genome sequencing and to propose procedures for the prevention of inbreeding in captivity and in the wild.
- to determine the relationship between the level of inbreeding and the vitality of captive colonies (overwintering success of queens, development and survival of colonies), the occurrence of pathogens and the composition of the microbiome.
- to determine the nutritional requirements in connection with colony establishment.
- to propose appropriate procedures and habitats for the reintroduction of species into the wild.
Based on the results, a methodology for controlled breeding and reintroduction into the wild with a reduced risk of extinction will be proposed.
About the project
- Project identification code: SQ02010064
- Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic within the Environment for Life Programme
- Main beneficiary: Agricultural Research, spol. s r.o.; other beneficiaries: National Centre for Agricultural and Food Research, v. v. i., Global Change Research Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i.
- Project duration: 03/2026 - 02/2029
Gallery
Rare bumble bee species Bombus distinguendus