Almost a quarter of Dutch bee colonies did not survive last winter

A survey by Wageningen University reveals that 24% of Dutch honeybee colonies died during the 2025–2026 winter, marking the fourth consecutive year of high mortality. Researchers noted significant regional variations in survival rates, though the exact causes remain under investigation.
Why it matters
High bee mortality rates threaten agricultural productivity and biodiversity, signaling potential environmental instability.
by Séverine Kotrschal, Wageningen University
The report is based on scientific survey data and presents findings objectively without editorializing.
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