To many people, honey bees symbolize development, sustainability and environmentalism. But as a honey bee researcher, I have to tell you that only the first item on that list is reasonable. Although they are important for agriculture, honey bees also damage natural ecosystems by competing with native bees-some of which are species at risk.
The rise in hobby beekeeping, now a popular activity for hundreds of thousands of Americans, followed strong awareness campaigns to “save the bees." But as a species, honey bees are least in need of saving. Media attention