Novel data support model linking floral resources and honey bee competition with bumble bee abundances in coastal scrub

 by Diane M. Thomson

The native California bumble bee foraging
on Eriophyllum staechadifolium

Many bee populations seem to be declining, threatening essential pollination services. There are many potential causes of bee declines and identifying which matter most for a given species or habitat is critical but challenging. One potentially powerful strategy uses statistical models that link bee abundances with environmental factors, such as floral resource availability or weather. Yet correlations between population trends and environmental variables alone do not confirm causation or mean the same patterns will apply in other times and places.

Read the whole summary in: English!
Read the scientific publication in JPE.

 

Insect Pollination and Sustainable Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

 By T. Kumsa & G. Ballantyne

Ethiopian honeybee

There is a growing awareness of the benefits pollinators provide for habitats and for human society. Their role in supporting agricultural services is especially important. 85% of our food crop species rely on pollinators for successful production and many of the wild plants we depend on for climate, water and soil regulation also rely on pollinators.

Worryingly, an increasing number of studies are finding evidence of declines in pollinator populations. However, we still don’t have a full picture of what is happening, as the majority of this evidence comes from Europe and America. The aim of this review paper is to help raise awareness of the need for more research into pollinators in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

 

 Read the whole summary in: English & Amharic!
Read the scientific publication in JPE.