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Bumblebee Challenge 2025: Records Broken – Over 35,000 Sightings

The summer edition of this year’s Bumblebee Challenge (20 June to 3 July 2025), initiated by the Thünen Institute and organised in cooperation with BUND Naturschutz Bayern since 2024, was a resounding success: Within just two weeks, approximately 6,500 participants from across Germany submitted an impressive total of over 35,000 bumblebee observations.

Moss carder bumblebee on red clover
Moss carder bumblebee (Bombus muscorum) on red clover
© Jann Wübbenhorst

What was recorded? 

A total of 25 different bumblebee species and species groups were identified (as of 4 July 2025), including rare alpine species such as Bombus wurflenii, Bombus pyrenaeus, and Bombus gerstaeckeri.
Most frequently observed species:
(1)    Buff-tailed Bumblebee complex (Bombus terrestris agg.)
(2)    Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum)
(3)    Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and Garden Bumblebee complex (Bombus hortorum agg.)

Why are these data important?

Bumblebees are key indicators of biodiversity status and trends in agricultural landscapes. Through citizen science, we gain valuable insights into the distribution, abundance, and conservation status of bumblebee species. These numerous observations significantly complement our systematic Bumblebee Monitoring and provide crucial input for scientific research, policy advice, and future efforts to support and protect bumblebee populations.

How the Bumblebee Challenge works

The observation phase opens twice a year: in spring (20 March to 9 April) and in summer (20 June to 3 July).
Participating is easy:

  • Install the free ObsIdentify (for beginners) or Observation app (available for Android & iOS). Instructions and more information are available at: https://wildbienen.thuenen.de/mitmachen/hummeln-erfassen/hummel-challenge.
  • Take photos of bumblebees – identifications are verified by AI and bumblebee experts.
  • Observations from agricultural landscapes are especially valuable – e.g., at field margins, orchard meadows, flower strips, or herb gardens. Every report counts!
  • Optional: Add contextual information such as host plant or behaviour.

Be part of the research!

All observations from agricultural habitats feed into scientifically validated analyses by the Thünen Institute and strengthen the nationwide MonViA Wild Bee Monitoring program.
The next Bumblebee Challenge kicks off in spring – we look forward to the continued support of enthusiastic participants. Join us and contribute to our research!

Contact:

Dr. Sophie Ogan, Stabsstelle Klima, Boden, Biodiversität, Thünen-Institut
+49 (0)531 2570 2048; sophie.ogan(at)thuenen(dot)de
https://www.instagram.com/wildbienen.thuenen/

 

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