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Last Updated: Monday, 2 April 2007, 12:33 GMT 13:33 UK
Rare bumblebee to be researched
Great yellow bumblebee (Pic: SNH)
The great yellow has strongholds on the Western Isles
Research is to be carried out to determine the link between traditional crofting methods and the survival of one of the UK's rarest bumblebees.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said the great yellow had declined dramatically over the past 50 years.

It is funding a study of populations in the Hebrides and parts of Sutherland.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust said PhD student Nicky Redpath would investigate the insect's relationship with crofting.

The trust had planned to set up a great yellow reserve in the Hebrides, but this plan has changed to one which would actively encourage crofting practices.


SEE ALSO
Bumblebee reserve appeal launched
28 Jul 06 |  Highlands and Islands
Homing instinct of bees surprises
26 Jul 06 |  Science/Nature
Thames Gateway fear for bumblebee
24 Jul 06 |  Southern Counties
Bumblebees sniffed out by spaniel
20 Jul 06 |  Scotland
Bee decline 'may hit food crops'
06 Jun 06 |  Northern Ireland
Study to save dying bumble bees
19 Sep 04 |  Hampshire

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