This Dog Assists with Bee Conservation — and Even Wears a Beekeeping Suit

A dedicated canine in Michigan is making a buzz by assisting in bee conservation efforts. Maple, an English Springer Spaniel, has been specially trained by researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) to detect American foulbrood (AFB), a contagious bacteria harmful to honeybee larvae. Maple’s work involves wearing her own beekeeping suit and inspecting hives at the university’s Pollinator Performance Center alongside her trainer, MSU alum Sue Stejskal. This innovative approach not only showcases Maple’s impressive skills but also highlights the crucial role that dogs can play in helping to protect bee populations.

Maple’s journey to becoming a bee conservation assistant is unique, considering her past as a K-9 police dog trained to locate missing persons. Following an on-the-job injury that led to her retirement from police work, Maple found a new calling at the Pollinator Performance Center. Her transition from aiding in search and rescue missions to safeguarding honeybee populations showcases her versatility and unwavering dedication to helping others, even in the animal kingdom.

Interestingly, Maple is not the only dog in the United States engaged in bee conservation efforts. Darwin, a German shorthaired pointer in North Carolina, has also been trained to detect underground beehives, further highlighting the valuable role that canines can play in environmental conservation. Jacqueline Staab, Darwin’s owner and a bee researcher at Appalachian State University, emphasised the enthusiasm and effectiveness of working with dogs like Darwin in safeguarding bee populations, showcasing the partnership between humans and animals in tackling pressing ecological challenges.

The collaboration between dogs like Maple and researchers at institutions like MSU underscores the innovative approaches being utilised to address threats to bee populations. With factors such as climate change and pesticide use impacting pollination systems globally, the need for creative solutions such as canine-assisted detection methods has become increasingly vital. These initiatives not only demonstrate the ingenuity of humans in leveraging animal capabilities but also underscore the interconnectedness of species in preserving ecosystems and food security.

Bee conservation holds significant importance in sustaining food supplies and ecosystems, with approximately 35% of the world’s food supply depending on pollination. The decline in bee populations poses a threat to global food security, making initiatives like Maple’s training and Darwin’s detection work crucial in protecting these vital pollinators. By recognising the pivotal role of bees in our environment and employing innovative methods like canine detection, researchers and conservationists aim to address the challenges facing bee populations and promote biodiversity conservation.

In conclusion, Maple the dog’s remarkable transition from law enforcement to bee conservation symbolises the adaptability and value of animal-assisted initiatives in addressing environmental concerns. With her training to detect AFB and support for bee populations, Maple exemplifies the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations and creative solutions in safeguarding biodiversity. As dogs like Maple and Darwin continue to play essential roles in environmental conservation efforts, their contributions serve as a testament to the enduring partnership between humans and animals in protecting our planet’s ecosystems.