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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Buzzing into silence: A geographical analysis of Colony Collapse Disorder
Authors
Vijaylaxmi, Dr. H N Koli
Abstract
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) represents a
critical ecological and agricultural crisis with far-reaching implications for
biodiversity, food security, and rural livelihoods. First reported in the
United States in 2006, CCD is characterized by the sudden disappearance of
worker bees, leaving colonies unable to function. While initially observed in
developed nations, CCD has now emerged as a global concern, particularly in
countries like India where pollinator-dependent crops form a major part of agricultural production.
This paper adopts a geographical framework to explore the spatial dimensions of CCD, emphasizing the interconnected roles of land use change, pesticide dependency, climate variability, and ecological governance. Using secondary datasets from FAO, IPBES, ICAR, and IARI (2010–2025), it examines trends in honeybee colony numbers, pesticide intensity, and crop pollination dependence. Findings reveal that states such as Punjab and Maharashtra, with intensive pesticide use, report significantly higher CCD incidence compared to diversified regions like Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. Globally, neonicotinoid pesticides account for approximately 35% of CCD cases, while varroa mites, habitat fragmentation, and climatic anomalies add further stress.
The socio-economic impacts are considerable—high-value crops including apples, mustard, cardamom, and cucurbits are at risk, resulting in estimated annual economic losses of thousands of crores. Beyond agriculture, CCD disrupts vital ecosystem services and rural livelihoods. The study concludes by advocating Integrated Pest Management (IPM), habitat diversification, farmer–beekeeper digital coordination, and GIS-based monitoring as crucial pathways for sustainable mitigation.
This paper adopts a geographical framework to explore the spatial dimensions of CCD, emphasizing the interconnected roles of land use change, pesticide dependency, climate variability, and ecological governance. Using secondary datasets from FAO, IPBES, ICAR, and IARI (2010–2025), it examines trends in honeybee colony numbers, pesticide intensity, and crop pollination dependence. Findings reveal that states such as Punjab and Maharashtra, with intensive pesticide use, report significantly higher CCD incidence compared to diversified regions like Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. Globally, neonicotinoid pesticides account for approximately 35% of CCD cases, while varroa mites, habitat fragmentation, and climatic anomalies add further stress.
The socio-economic impacts are considerable—high-value crops including apples, mustard, cardamom, and cucurbits are at risk, resulting in estimated annual economic losses of thousands of crores. Beyond agriculture, CCD disrupts vital ecosystem services and rural livelihoods. The study concludes by advocating Integrated Pest Management (IPM), habitat diversification, farmer–beekeeper digital coordination, and GIS-based monitoring as crucial pathways for sustainable mitigation.
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Pages:93-96
How to cite this article:
Vijaylaxmi, Dr. H N Koli "Buzzing into silence: A geographical analysis of Colony Collapse Disorder". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 93-96
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