Pollen nutrition structures bee and plant community interactions

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(3)

Published: Jan. 8, 2024

As bees’ main source of protein and lipids, pollen is critical for their development, reproduction, health. Plant species vary considerably in the macronutrient content pollen, research bee model systems has established that this variation both modulates performance guides floral choice. Yet, how chemistry shapes interactions between plants bees natural communities an open question, essential understanding nutritional dynamics plant–pollinator mutualisms informing conservation. To fill gap, we asked nutrition (relative lipid content) sampled from 109 co-flowering plant structured visitation patterns observed among 75 subgenera pollen-collecting Great Basin/Eastern Sierra region (USA). We found degree similarity species’ predicted visitor communities, even after accounting morphology phylogeny. Consideration also shed light on structure interaction network: Bee genera were arranged into distinct, interconnected groups, delineated by differences values, revealing potential niches. Importantly, alone (high protein, high lipid, or balanced) did not predict diversity visitors, indicating offering complementary may be equally valuable supporting diversity. Nutritional should thus a key consideration when selecting habitat restoration, nutritionally explicit perspective needed considering reward involved community ecology pollination.

Language: Английский

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Developing a rapid assessment tool for identifying and safeguarding pollinators: A case study from a global avocado company

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 15, 2025

Abstract Agricultural intensification poses a global threat to many wild species, including insect pollinators. Despite the dependence of companies on insect‐pollinated crops within their supply chains, only limited number them actively implement measures protect This study aims address this issue by developing tool that businesses can employ create effective pollinator conservation strategies. To tool, we utilized an existing roadmap as foundational structure and adapted it into practical through comprehensive review literature development specific methodologies. Subsequently, applied case‐study company further refine methods gather industry feedback. The developed identifies seven activities achieve following objectives: (1) understand threats pollinators, (2) recognize significance pollinators business (3) assess current actions, (4) explore additional protection measures. results from our case indicate increasing knowledge transfer growers supporting participate in environmental certification schemes could serve assist identifying strategies safeguard Its potential implementation across wide range greatly benefit contribute various species.

Language: Английский

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Habitat use and diel activity of insectivorous bats across land-use types on an Afrotropical oceanic island

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 16, 2025

Abstract Tropical island biodiversity is declining at alarming rates. Yet, understanding how species are coping with such disturbance largely limited for afro-tropical islands. Here we examined habitat use and diel activity of insectivorous bats across different land-use types covering the endemic-rich Príncipe Island, Central West Africa. We acoustically surveyed 48 sites throughout old-growth forests, secondary re-growth cocoa shaded plantations, horticultures. Based on 17,527 bat-passes, were able to record all four bat known occur Príncipe, including recently described Pseudoromicia principis , most frequently recorded species. Taphozous mauritianus a data deficient open-space forager, was least Species lowest in as well edge-forager P. . The forager Mops pumilus forest habitats, whereas Hipposideros ruber restricted these habitats. Diel patterns M. varied between forests non-forest those remained similar. Interspecific overlap decreased towards more altered types. Our findings emphasize that conserving remaining along current mosaic land-uses, needed maintain Príncipe’s complete assemblages.

Language: Английский

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Sustainable nature‐based solutions require establishment and maintenance of keystone plant‐pollinator interactions

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(11), P. 2432 - 2441

Published: June 24, 2024

Abstract Many nature‐based solutions (NBS), including urban greenspaces, agriculture and agroforestry, depend upon animal‐pollinated plants to sequester carbon or provide other ecosystem services. Thus, long‐term success of these also depends resilient pollinator communities. Despite their importance functioning communities, a literature search revealed that 0%–3% papers on NBS related topics considered pollinators pollination. Pollinators were more likely be in the subgroup agricultural production, where 12.5% Conservation species interactions is essential conservation biodiversity sustained benefits NBS. By applying our understanding ecology plant‐pollinator mutualisms implementation NBS, we can promote under future climatic conditions. In particular, point need identify keystone pollinators, those contribute most maintenance, community stability function, leverage efforts. We further advocate for use phylogenetic trait‐based analyses understand characteristics associated with keystoneness. Synthesis : Resilience pollination services rests responses partners, likelihood they continue express traits confer mutual benefit climates. outsized gain insight into mechanisms underlying resilience rely changing world.

Language: Английский

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Pollination Ecology, Breeding System, and Conservation of Butia lallemantii Deble & Marchiori (Arecaceae): A Useful Dwarf Palm Tree from the Pampa

Plants, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(11), P. 1562 - 1562

Published: June 5, 2024

The Dwarf Palm, Butia lallemantii Deble & Marchiori, is an endangered species endemic to the Pampa biome and typically grows in sandy rocky soils. Given its economic, ecological, cultural relevance, it crucial understand ecology biology of this encourage preservation highlight significance for Pampa. This study aims investigate whether palm relies on animal vectors pollination, analyze breeding system, propose strategies conservation sustainable use. We conducted field observations pollination ecology, identified floral visitors, designed six system experiments test cross-compatibility, self-compatibility, apomixis. Additionally, we a literature review strategies. pollinator-dependent self-compatible. flowers are mostly melittophilous offer pollen nectar visitors. main pollinators native Meliponinae Halictinae bees introduced Apis mellifera. represents first comprehensive complete examination process palms. can provide materials industries, but urgent actions needed preserve remaining populations through effective policies Furthermore, should be integrated into diversified agroecosystems evaluate adaptability cultivation.

Language: Английский

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Exploring edge effects on pollination syndromes in dry forests: implications for conservation strategies

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 17, 2024

Abstract Dry forests face significant threats due to human activities, including habitat fragmentation, leading edge effects that alter microclimatic conditions and species composition. This study evaluates the impact of on pollination syndromes in a Caatinga dry forest Brazil. Fieldwork conducted between 2012 2013 recorded woody plant their pollinators, along with floral traits. Results reveal melittophily as dominant syndrome, differences traits across syndromes, notably flower colour shape. Distance from did not significantly affect pollinator syndrome richness or abundance, except for negative relationship generalist total abundance. underscores importance considering proximity conservation strategies. The emphasizes critical need incorporate dynamics into management safeguard ecological functions services, particularly maintaining plant–pollinator interactions. Understanding how influence is vital effective conservation, highlighting continued research responses protecting vulnerable habitats forests.

Language: Английский

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Higher early than late-season residue load of pesticides in honey bee bread in Slovakia

Apidologie, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 55(4)

Published: June 24, 2024

Abstract Bees are often exposed to pesticide residues during their foraging trips in agricultural landscapes. The analysis of in-hive stored pollen reflects the spectrum visited plants and can be almost used link exposure pesticides.In current study, bee bread samples were collected May July from 17 sites located southern Slovakia. Samples analysed using a multi-residue method for broad active substances microscopic identification.Our results revealed contamination with 19 different substances, fungicides being predominant. Sixteen them authorized EU, but chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chloridazon not. highest concentrations pendimethalin (1400 µg/kg), fluazifop-butyl (640 fenpropidin (520 fluopyram (130 difenoconazole (95 µg/kg) detected. total residue load sampled early season (May) was significantly higher than late (July). mean insecticides comprised 46% May’s load, which is alarming due importance diet winter-rearing bees. Moreover, both sampling periods showed that positively associated plant families Apiaceae Papaveraceae herbicides Aceraceae, Salicaceae, Brassica-type/Brassicaceae.Hence, considered suitable matrix good bio-indicator reflecting honey pesticides over season.

Language: Английский

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Public Attitudes towards Insect Pollinators in Morocco: Insights from a Pilot Study with Broader Applications

Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(7), P. 383 - 383

Published: June 30, 2024

This pilot study provides insights into the Moroccan public’s understanding and willingness to engage in insect pollinator preservation, highlighting widespread awareness alongside significant knowledge gaps. The success of biodiversity conservation efforts, especially those aimed at pollinators, is greatly enhanced by an informed committed populace. Understanding public perceptions pollinators important as it shapes effectiveness strategies their implementation. Although our does not include every demographic society, portion populace: educated urban youth. a key population that will be crucial developing future strategies, given tendency towards increasing urbanization putting cities forefront sustainable development. Our assess opinions on services, declining numbers Morocco. We conducted survey distributed mainly through media over four months, receiving responses from 301 individuals. results indicate aware decreasing populations main threats, shows participate strategies. However, gaps persist roles ecology pollinators. While honey bees bumble are well-recognized for role pollinating agricultural wild plants, there less about other common such solitary flies. Additionally, essential contributions non-bee remain widely overlooked. To address these findings, we recommend implementing specialized educational initiatives increase vital functions supporting ecosystem services. In order adopt more encompassing strategy upcoming outreach efforts within national should emphasize made lesser-known strive sectors currently involved conservation. while this valuable insights, sample size limits generalizability conclusions. Future research with larger diverse samples would beneficial validate expand upon findings provide comprehensive all areas perception engagement Expanding sampling older, educated, demographics strengthen initial broaden application, beyond attitudes.

Language: Английский

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Current trends in bee conservation and habitat restoration in different types of anthropogenic habitats

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Aug. 14, 2024

Recent declines in bee populations and ranges have been cause for concern due to the valuable pollination service that they provide. Several factors proposed contribute these declines, including habitat loss, pathogen spread, pesticide usage, so many pollinator conservation schemes involved addition of pollinator-friendly through wildflower plantings artificial nesting sites. Because this, efforts made enhance across different landscape types, natural, agricultural, urban, industrial areas. Many focused on providing bees other animal pollinators agricultural landscapes, but managed areas, such as cities, suburbs, industrialized areas may untapped potential conservation. Available green space can be enhanced provide healthy forage safe sites pollinators. As are also often frequented by human residents, needs perceptions people, well benefits pollinators, must considered ensure success anthropogenic habitats.

Language: Английский

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Mediterranean vineyards and olive groves in Croatia harbour some rare and endemic invertebrates

Biodiversity Data Journal, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: April 20, 2023

The Mediterranean is characterised by high biodiversity and numerous endemic species. These species are not only present in natural habitats, but also inhabit areas under human influence, such as agricultural lands. In the assessment of vineyards olive orchards within Zadar County, Croatia, we identified eight with distribution, six a Balkan Peninsula four Dinaric Alps distribution three rare endangered Europe. Alongside these species, have recorded five new for Croatian fauna, many those combining morphological characteristics DNA barcoding tool. Araneae Coleoptera contributed highest number groups record were following: Coleoptera, Diptera Araneae. Compared to other sites, an orchard ecological pest management (EPM), surrounded ecosystems, had ratio Our findings emphasise that lands can be habitats future research highly important, monitor potential changes motivate ecosystem conservation.

Language: Английский

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