Pollinator diversity benefits natural and agricultural ecosystems, environmental health, and human welfare

Plant Diversity, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 44(5), P. 429 - 435

Published: Feb. 3, 2022

Biodiversity loss during the Anthropocene is a serious ecological challenge. Pollinators are important vectors that provide multiple essential ecosystem services but declining rapidly in this changing world. However, several studies have argued high abundance of managed bee pollinators, such as honeybees (Apis mellifera), may be sufficient to pollination for crop productivity, and sociological indicate majority farmers worldwide do not recognize contribution wild pollinator diversity agricultural yield. Here, we review importance natural ecosystems thwarted by increase pollinators honeybees. We also emphasize additional roles diverse communities play environmental safety, culture, aesthetics. Research indicates ecosystems, enhances climatic perturbations, thus alleviating pollen limitation. In increases quality quantity Furthermore, many groups useful monitoring pollution, aid pest disease control, cultural aesthetic value. During uncertainties accompany rapid changes Anthropocene, conservation must expand beyond conservation. Similarly, value maintenance extends provision services. Accordingly, requires an interdisciplinary approach with contributions from environmentalists, taxonomists, social scientists, including artists, who can shape opinions behavior.

Language: Английский

---

Beekeepers’ perceptions toward a new omics tool for monitoring bee health in Europe

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 20(1), P. e0316609 - e0316609

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

Pressures on honey bee health have substantially increased both colony mortality and beekeepers’ costs for hive management across Europe. Although technological advances could offer cost-effective solutions to these challenges, there is little research into the incentives barriers adoption by beekeepers in Our study first investigate willingness adopt Bee Health Card, a molecular diagnostic tool developed within PoshBee EU project which can rapidly assess monitoring changes bees. The based MALDI BeeTyping®, currently level six of Technology Readiness Level scale, meaning that technology has been demonstrated relevant environments. Using an on-line survey from seven European countries, we show recognise potential improve health, targeted economic incentives, such as subsidises, may help reduce cost being barrier frequent use tool. Based description tool, 43% appear be moderately confident effectiveness Card. This confidence increase if was easy not time consuming, higher also contribute raising probability accepting extra linked it. We estimate that, worst-case scenario, per single Card should between €47–90 range depending labour postage costs. However, monetary benefits terms production exceed this. In order successfully tackle issues, it recommended using BHC five times year, end beginning winter. Finally, discuss knowledge needs assessing beekeeper tools future research.

Language: Английский

---

How farmers think about insects: perceptions of biodiversity, biodiversity loss and attitudes towards insect-friendly farming practices

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 30(11), P. 3045 - 3066

Published: July 19, 2021

Abstract An alarming decrease of insects in number and variety calls for measures protection promotion, since are crucial the functioning ecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services. Agricultural landscapes can vast insect habitats if they managed accordingly. However, little is known about farmers’ problem awareness attitudes toward biodiversity loss, related farming practises, or alternative acceptable insect-friendly solutions. To fill these research gaps, this paper aimed to reveal perceptions regarding aspects two German case studies. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with farmers 2019 qualitatively analysed them using semantic web analysis. Farmers mostly reported insects’ services disservices agricultural production rather than mentioning holistic ecological importance insects. About half confirmed loss based on their own observations, whereas a similar doubted there had been Most open-minded towards financially compensated. The also mentioned joint societal responsibility insects, economic pressure use pesticides due global market prices, unbalanced policies. This study revealed in-depth insights into thinking how contextualise arguments. Our results identified overlaps mental models, which paves way co-designing practices landscape labs. Local transformation efforts demonstrate new pathways shift higher levels.

Language: Английский

---

Elements of agroecological pest and disease management

Elementa Science of the Anthropocene, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

The development of large-scale monocropped agrisystems has facilitated increased problems with pests and diseases, perpetuating the reliance farmers on synthetic pesticides. economic success inputs has, however, been achieved at a high cost to environment through loss biodiversity, depletion soil quality, greenhouse gas emissions, disrupting ecosystem services that can otherwise help mitigate losses caused by diseases. Environmentally benign alternatives for pest disease management are urgently needed now widely recognized as essential sustainable food agriculture. Food Agriculture Organization, example, published 10 elements agroecology framework transformation Agroecology combines ecological social concepts principles develop agricultural systems harnessing nature-based solutions tailored farmers’ needs. Plant-based biopesticides, offer an alternative pesticides less harmful nonpersistent, yet effective managing have long tradition use among so more socially acceptable. Here, we provide critical assessment how approaches comply show they integrate other farmer participatory research. We conclude adoption addresses all provides entry point promote farming practices widely.

Language: Английский

---

Two enabling factors for farmer-driven pollinator protection in low- and middle-income countries

International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 20(1), P. 54 - 67

Published: April 28, 2021

Reward-based wildflower strips are the most common approach for pollinator protection in high-income countries. Low- and middle-income countries cannot afford this practice. A promising pilot study Uzbekistan introduced an alternative approach, Farming with Alternative Pollinators, focusing on farmers as target group, marketable habitat enhancement plants a method-inherent incentive: higher income per surface achieved already first year. We hypothesized that would be replicable enabling factor across continents, but knowledge-raising campaign necessary many low- assessed replicability of incentive small number 2015–2016 Morocco focused assessing if have sufficient knowledge to recognize wild pollinators use approach. conducted 766 interviews using standardized questionnaire randomly selected smallholder three culturally different farming societies (Morocco, Turkey Benin). Pollinators induced (75% (2015), 177% (2016)) also Morocco. The trial survey show indispensability second factor. However, based capacity building, could indeed high potential promote

Language: Английский

---

Mapping student understanding of bees: Implications for pollinator conservation

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(3)

Published: Feb. 11, 2023

Abstract Global declines in populations of several bee species have highlighted the importance efforts to conserve bees and other pollinators. Because research on social dimensions pollinator conservation is limited, however, developing clear strategies promote behaviors remains a challenge. In an effort contribute understanding these conservation, we used semantic network analysis content coding investigate knowledge among U.S. college students with either low ( n = 233) or high 93) interest this topic. Results revealed that both groups' was organized around their utilitarian value for humans, particularly honey production. Furthermore, although student fairly accurate, it not very sophisticated. Knowledge about also more accurate than general. Implications future education are discussed.

Language: Английский

---

Drivers of diversity and community structure of bees in an agroecological region of Zimbabwe

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(11), P. 6415 - 6426

Published: May 1, 2021

Abstract Worldwide bees provide an important ecosystem service of plant pollination. Climate change and land‐use changes are among drivers threatening bee survival with mounting evidence species decline extinction. In developing countries, rural areas constitute a significant proportion the country's land, but information is lacking on how different habitat types weather patterns in these influence populations. This study investigated variables habitat‐related factors abundance, diversity, distribution across seasons farming area Zimbabwe. Bees were systematically sampled five (natural woodlots, pastures, homesteads, fields, gardens) recording ground cover, grass height, flower abundance types, tree recorded elevation, temperature, light intensity, wind speed, direction, humidity. Zero‐inflated models, censored regression PCAs used to understand explanatory community composition, diversity. Bee was positively influenced by number ( p < .0001). increased increasing temperatures up 28.5°C, beyond this, temperature negatively associated abundance. Increasing speeds marginally decreased probability finding bees. diversity highest natural woodlots compared other habitats, contributions genus Apis disproportionately high all habitats. The Megachile mostly while Nomia grasslands. Synthesis applications. Our suggests that some could become more proliferous certain thus compromising consequently services. These results highlight importance setting aside bee‐friendly habitats can be refuge sites for susceptible changes.

Language: Английский

---

Balancing Bees and Livestock: Pastoralist Knowledge, Perceptions and Implications for Pollinator Conservation in Rangelands, Northern Tanzania

Tropical Conservation Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 14

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

Insect pollinators provide numerous ecosystem services that support other living organisms. While play a large role in cropping systems, little is known about their presence and function rangeland ecosystems, which have recently become fragmented overexploited at an extraordinary rate. We assessed local Maasai knowledge on insect how affect livelihood diversification Simanjiro rangelands, Tanzania. Through questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, we found varied among herders. Lasioglossum of sub genus Ipomalictus Syriphidae were the least commonly recognized as only 24%, 7% participants could identify them, respectively. Responses significantly between men women (F = 7.397, p .007). Commiphora africana, Acacia mellifera Albizia anthelmintica noted most important bee forage plants while observations showed Aspilia mossambicensis, Justicia debile tortilis. Most (77%) herders limited ability to link wellbeing. Beekeeping contributed for 61% respondents, with participating more frequently than (χ 2 46.962, .0001). was positively influenced by education level ( R .421, < .0001) occupation .194, .009). Pollinator declines attributed climate change (47%), agriculture (37%), habitat destruction (8%). conclude common pollinator groups roles. Community outreach training should bridge gap pastoralist communities fully realize benefits highlight importance health.

Language: Английский

---

Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: July 11, 2022

Agroecosystems are often impoverished ecosystems, but they can host diverse communities of insects which provide ecosystem services. Specifically, crops may benefit from insect pollinators that increase their quantity and quality yields. Basic knowledge is still needed regarding the identity, diversity, abundance, ecology in many parts world, especially low middle-income countries. In this study we investigate potential agroecosystems Morocco to a high diversity pollinators. We sampled four eco-climatic regions encompassing total 22 for 2 years (2018–2019). After describing general pattern abundance pollinators, focused our comparative analyses on bees as known be most efficient abundant group recorded 53,361 all among 37,091 were visiting crop flowers. Bees by far crops. Honeybees represented 49% visitors followed wild representing 33% relative abundance. Three genera ( Lasioglossum , Andrena Xylocopa ) 53% identified 213 species (22% national bee richness). A comparison richness, community composition same showed significant inter-regional differences zucchini, faba bean, eggplant. This highlights Moroccan represents an important step toward exploring pollinator fauna. It provides basic information future studies conservation pollination

Language: Английский

---

The Role of Media During COVID-19 Global Outbreak: A Conservation Perspective

Tropical Conservation Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 14

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is fast driving the ways of life and economies. In this study, we used Zimbabwe as a case study to assess how different forms media are being utilised access information disease (across age, educational level, employment status). We investigated people’s perceptions origins COVID-19, its implication on continued consumption meat from wildlife species by humans, management strategies that harbour coronavirus. gathered 139 responses using an online structured questionnaire survey. Social platforms were acquire when compared traditional sources (television, radio, newspapers). Most respondents thought virus was created humans (n = 55, mostly young middle-aged) while others believed it originated animals 54, middle-aged with postgraduate qualifications). majority (73%) who cited origin also supported ban species. (in comparison older respondents) those employed (compared unemployed) more likely support in trade. likelihood visiting centres given consequences significantly lower old-aged respondents. Our results emphasize need for science penetrate social circles provide appropriate information. observed about could negatively impact conservation funding.

Language: Английский

---