The Fight to save Endangered Pollinators
By: Veronica Legette
Graduate student| Miami University| Project Dragonfly| Biology in the Age of Technology| Spring 2022
Information On Pollinators
What do pollinators do? Why are they important?
Pollination is an ecosystem service which underpins agricultural production. There are serious concerns that populations of key pollinators, such as bees and other insects, are declining, which could lead to profound impacts on crop yields and on natural plant communities.
Virtually all of the world’s seed plants need to be pollinated. This is just . Pollen, looking like insignificant yellow dust, bears a plant’s male sex cells and is a vital link in the reproductive cycle.
With adequate pollination, wildflowers:
Reproduce and produce enough seeds for dispersal and propagation
Maintain genetic diversity within a population
Develop adequate fruits to entice seed dispersers
A Quick Introduction to Pollinators!
More information on technology being used to help save bees (Bee-Steward)
What is BEE-Steward?
An integrated model for predicting bumblebee population success and pollination services in agro-ecosystems developed by the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the University of Sussex and Rothamsted Research.
This project uses a combination of experiments and modelling to predict bumblebee nest density, distribution and survival in agricultural landscapes. The model describes bumblebee colony dynamics and foraging behavior, taking into account as many negative environmental factors as possible, for example, levels of predation and parasitism in the nests (the extent to which the bees are victim to predators from their own or other species). The model, which can also help researchers predict the distribution of pollination services provided by bumblebees, is validated with detailed survey and experimental data collected in the field. The research’s aim is to provide a powerful tool for shaping recommendations so that land managers and policy makers can ensure sustainable pollination is able to thrive in tandem with successful arable farming.
"BEE-STEWARD software can be used to visualize how pollinator-friendly land management options might affect bee survival in any chosen landscape, thus aiding effective decision-making and resource allocation, and increasing the likelihood of land being managed to boost pollinators"
BEE-Steward has been published and made accessible to the public and can be found under the name "BEEHAVE"! BEEHAVE is a computer model to simulate the development of a honeybee colony and its nectar and pollen foraging behavior in different landscapes. The purpose is to allow multiple stressors of honeybee colonies within a hive and in the landscape to be represented, either alone or in combination, to understand their potential influence on colony development and survival. This can help make decisions in the future that can help mitigate the issue of declining populations.
A Research Paper specifically on this developing technology if you are looking to read more!
Animal pollination is one of nature's most important relationships. Plants offer a reward to floral visitors in exchange for the transfer of pollen between flowers to facilitate plant reproduction. Pollination services support a major component of global food production but are also critical to maintaining natural ecosystems. However, evidence from recent decades indicates that pollinator abundance and diversity are at risk, with many species in decline.
What is happening, where are they going?
Bats, Bees, Birds, Butterflies: There are many different types of pollinating animals and it is important to address the decline of all these species and not just the more commonly known ones! (See infographic, right)
Habitat needs: Pollinators need what we all need, food water, and shelter. But aside from these basics, Pollinators have two basic habitat needs: a diversity of flowering native or naturalized plants, and egg-laying or nesting sites. This is a habitat that can be preserved through the protection of green spaces and also a habitat that can be recreated by humans!
Research identifying the causes of pollinator decline has focused on anthropogenic drivers or human activity, including pesticides, habitat loss and climate change. Understanding that these constraints have detrimental impacts on pollinators is widely understood and accepted. However, the natural processes that influence pollinator health and may contribute to or even mitigate declines are, being overlooked. Understanding these processes is vital for coming up with nature-based solutions that support healthy pollinators and restore their diversity and abundance.
Current conservation efforts
In addition to increased awareness through social media and branding, more organizations are becoming involved in the fight to save endangered pollinators. Through events like Monarch Fest at the San Antonio Zoo, places are making conservation fun and accessible!
BEE-Steward isn't the only technology being used to help measure and track the decline of bumble bee populations. The European Ecological Federation is using mathematics and data analysis to study the trends of honey bee colonies. You can read more about it here!
A quick look at factors impacting decline
People - Urbanization, the chronic planting of non-native grass species to maintain yards and parks.
Habitat - loss via deforestation, fragmentation, and urbanization.
Global warming and climate change are often cited as a strong theorized contribution to the decline of pollinators.
Video on What we can do at home
There are so many things we can do at home, in the classroom, and out in nature to help endangered pollinators! Helping out our tiniest workers is something that we all can try our best to do.
DIY seed bombs are a great way to get young learners involved! Using pollinator friendly seed mixes is a plus!
If you do choose to have a pollinator garden, be sure to include some milkweed in for the butterflies!
A great way to help stop the decline of our pollinators is by taking care of the environment. Make eco-friendly and sustainable choices and refrain from littering.
Give them a nice place to rest! Look into making or purchasing bug hotels, and/or bat houses.
Don't be discouraged, any little bit that you can do can help a little bee a lot!