In a commendable display of collaborative conservation efforts, the Tamalpais Bee Lab's community science program has given the entomology world reason to buzz with excitement. A search party in Marin County, spearheaded by Tamalpais Bee Lab, which is part of the One Tam partnership including the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin Water, and Marin County Parks, has rediscovered the rare San Francisco leaf-cutter bee (Trachusa gummifera). This elusive bee has not graced the scientific community with its presence since 1980, rendering the find both significant and unexpected.
According to a KRON4 report, the San Francisco leaf-cutter bee was observed earlier this month for the first time in over four decades. Initial surveys conducted from 2017 through 2022 in an attempt to catalog local bee species came up empty when it came to the Trachusa gummifera. Yet, the continued persistence of the community science enthusiasts paid off this summer, showcasing the strength inherent in citizen-driven science initiatives.
Echos of optimism resonated from experts commenting on the discovery. "How exciting it is to find a bee that hasn’t been seen in so long,” said Hillary Sardiñas, the Pollinator Coordinator at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), as reported by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Conservation priorities are integral to this find since the Trachusa gummifera is considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in California's State Wildlife Action Plan and is on the CDFW's list of Terrestrial Invertebrates of Conservation Priority.
Mischon Martin, Chief of Natural Resources and Science at Marin County Parks highlighted the success of collaborative conservation efforts. "One Tam has always been about leveraging resources on the ground—providing opportunities for community science, conducting biological surveys, and coordinating the work of local, state, and national land managers—we wouldn’t have found this species without working together like this”, Martin stated. With the bee now documented, plans are underway to continue the study of this special-status species, for which One Tam and CDFW will obtain the necessary permits.
This latest development presents a glimmer of hope in the world of insect conservation, particularly for pollinators facing a slew of global challenges. "This is hopeful news in a time when we are hearing a lot about trouble for insects, especially pollinators," expressed Sara Leon Guerrero, Community Science Program Manager at the Parks Conservancy, whose eyes first landed on the bee that spurred this discovery.
