Following the publication of bumble bee survey considerations by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in June 2023, biologists throughout California have adopted methodology for habitat assessments and presence/absence surveys for the detection of nesting and foraging bumble bee species. After the implementation of survey guidelines, data collected during Crotch’s bumble bee presence/absence surveys for the 2024 season offers potentially valuable insight to better inform methodology for upcoming survey seasons.

Christina Torres has worked as a wildlife biologist throughout California for nearly six years. Ms. Torres received a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from the University of California, Davis. Shortly thereafter, she spent some time as a research assistant for a honey bee research facility at U.C. Davis, where she managed field studies on the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on honey bee colonies. Ms. Torres currently works as a biological consultant for SWCA Environmental Consultants and performs a variety of surveys for sensitive biological resources throughout southern California, including Crotch bumble bee.