Protection of honeybees and other pollinators: one global study

Abstract

Insect populations are declining globally. Most crops rely on insect pollination, putting food security at risk. Honeybees are important pollinators and have been used widely in public awareness campaigns. This study surveyed countries about the status of their pollinators and programmes for monitoring and management. Responses were received from 273 persons from 108 countries. Apis mellifera was reported by nearly all countries. Many countries (72%) routinely collect honeybee data, and populations are stable or increasing (77% of countries). Other pollinators receive less attention, although their populations are dwindling in most (70%) countries. Conservation and protection are more commonly practiced for honeybees. Most threats, such as habitat loss and pesticides, are shared by all pollinators. Therefore, conservation measures to decrease these threats would be efficient, provided that competition among species is avoided. Monitoring of pollinator populations should be increased.