North America faces a sprawling 'pollinator crisis,' study says

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Our pollinators in in peril, a new study released this week suggests. This is especially true for bees, with over one-third of native bee species at risk of extinction.

Overall, the new research found that more than 22% of native pollinators in North America are at an elevated risk of extinction. This first-of-its-kind assessment evaluated nearly 1,600 species — including bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flower flies, bats, and hummingbirds.

“Our study provides the most comprehensive picture yet of the pollinator crisis in North America," said Tara Cornelisse, lead author of the study and lead zoologist at NatureServe, one of the organizations that conducted the research. "The results highlight the impact of insect declines and show the urgent need for conservation action.”

The study was published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research was conducted by a team of experts from NatureServe, NatureServe Canada, the Xerces Society, academic institutions, and government agencies.

What are pollinators?

Pollinators are animals – such as insects, birds, bats, and some mammals – that help move pollen from one flower to another. This is key to the reproductive process of most flowering plants, along with the the production of fruits and seeds.

Why are pollinators important?

According to the National Park Service, estimates indicate that almost 90% of wild flowering plants and 75% of food crops around the world depend on pollination for successful seed and fruit production. "Pollinators are vital to our food security, economy, and overall environmental health," the park service said.

What did the study find?

Study findings included:

• One-in-five pollinators is at risk: 22.6% of assessed species face an elevated extinction risk, underscoring an urgent need for conservation.
• Bees are most threatened: 34.7% of assessed native bee species are at risk, particularly leafcutter and digger bees, which face the highest levels of imperilment.
• Bats doing worse than hummingbirds: All three pollinating bat species are at risk, while all hummingbirds were found to be at low extinction risk.
• Geographic hotspots: The highest concentrations of at-risk species were found in the American Southwest, which is home to many species and climate-related stressors.

What are the primary threats to pollinators?

The three primary threats to pollinators are habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change, Cornelisse said. "And those threats are threatening the species themselves and also their specific food (such as plants or invertebrates for the most part) as well as the loss of shelter and nesting sites, and timing of their life cycle (due to climate change)," she said.

What can the average person do about it?

People can plant native flowering plants, even if they're in pots, Cornelisse told Paste BN. Also, plant them with seeds that haven't been treated with pesticides. "Ensure what you're buying is not treated," she suggested. Go to your local nursery, she said, and ask the experts there.

Lastly, she said it's important to leave dead vegetation where it is. This provides a home for insects throughout their life cycle, Cornelisse said.

Study co-author Jaret Daniels of the Florida Museum of Natural History added that "even small spaces or container gardens can provide useful resources for pollinators and allow for increased observation and enjoyment."