Isabel Navarro Rose Hills
Quantifying pathogen community of endangered bee Bombus Occidentalis
The Western Bumblebee, Bombus occidentalis, was once a widely distributed species across North America but experienced devastating decline starting in the 1990s. It is believed that the pathogen Vairimorpha bombi, a microsporidian parasite, is a major cause of endangerment of B. occidentalis. However, no previous studies have been conducted on the Western Bumblebee and viral dynamics of bees is not well understood, as other RNA viruses may contribute to population decline. Selective sampling of the Western Bumblebee, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, will give insight into the complete microbial and viral community found within the declining bumblebee populations. With a molecular biology approach I am exploring the quantities of RNA virus and Vairimorpha bombi parasite pathogens found in B. occidentalis and the extent to which Western Bumblebee decline can be attributed to viral disease. My work on the viral dynamics of the Sierran B. occidentalis will allow us to apply like-minded ecology management to other areas within California, supporting new future B. occidentalis populations in other regions.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you so much for your generous support in my project. With your sponsorship, I can explore the dynamics of disease and the role it plays in populations of the endangered Western Bumblebee. Conservation and ecology management is my passion, and your gift has propelled me towards my goals.