The protection of pollinator habitats must be considered a high-priority issue, an American researcher has said.
Speaking about the importance of rare bee species, Prof Rebecca Irwin from North Carolina State University in Raleigh said: “When we think about conservation and what we can do in urban habitats, making sure that there are appropriate places for ground-nesting bees to nest rises to the top of the list.”
The co-author of a study about the bee species richness in North Carolina’s Wake County explained: “Specialist bee species need pollen from specific plant species to feed their young. Bees can’t suddenly switch pollen sources.”
Prof Irwin emphasised: “If these specific flowers are absent, bees will be absent as well.”
The numerous kinds of solitary bees that exist all around the world play a vital role in the environment by pollinating different flowers and plants. Their existence is at risk due to global warming, the relentless application of insecticides and a growing loss of habitats.
Speaking about her research targets, Prof Irwin said: “My lab is interested in the ecology and evolution of multiple-species interactions, pollination biology, and species invasions.
There are more than 4,000 different plant species in North Carolina, according to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, a non-profit organisation.
