New effort tracks bumblebees across New Mexico

Bumblebees aren’t supposed to thrive in southern New Mexico, but they’re here — and that’s exactly why researchers are taking a closer look. 

In a region defined by heat and drought, local populations are surviving at the edge of their range, offering insight into how species respond to increasingly extreme conditions. 

“Southern New Mexico is at the edge of their habitat,” said Ashley Rohde, a post-doctoral researcher and adjunct faculty member in New Mexico State University’s Department of Biology. “This is where conditions are becoming less and less suitable for them.” 

That pressure is driving a statewide effort to better understand how these pollinators are surviving and what that could mean for their future. The New Mexico Bumble Bee Atlas, led by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, invites residents to help collect data on native species across the state, where researchers say major gaps still exist. 

“New Mexico still has significant data gaps,” said Rich Hatfield, a senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society. “We’re trying to build a clearer picture of where species are doing well and where they may need attention.” 

The project is part of a broader national effort to better understand the status of roughly 50 bumblebee species across the United States. Data collected through similar programs has already been used by state agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In New Mexico, the effort comes as agencies gain more ability to manage insect populations following recent policy changes, according to Amy Dolan, a conservation biologist with the Xerces Society. 

“That gives agencies the ability to start thinking about conservation in a more direct way,” Dolan said. “We’re helping gather the information they need to do that.” 

Rohde said extreme heat and prolonged drought are placing stress on bumblebee colonies, particularly during peak foraging months. High temperatures can limit how often bees leave their nests and reduce the resources they bring back. 

“If wild bumblebees were to disappear, plant communities would change,” Rohde said, noting that some species rely on a specialized form of pollination that only certain bees can perform. 

Organizers say the project is designed to be accessible. Volunteers are asked to survey designated areas twice during the summer, spending about 45 minutes observing and documenting bumblebees using a catch-and-release method. 

“When people collect data on their own, it tends to be close to cities or roads,” Hatfield said. “We’re trying to spread that effort out so we can understand what’s happening in more natural landscapes.” 

A training workshop is scheduled for May 16 in Las Cruces. Participants will learn how to identify bumblebees, follow survey protocols, and safely handle them during data collection. Dolan said the program is open to anyone interested, regardless of experience. 

“Anybody who wants to learn can participate,” she said. “Even just coming to the workshop is a good way to understand why these animals' matter.” 

Residents interested in participating can learn more or register by visiting bumblebeeatlas.org.