The Decline of Pollinators and Why It Matters
You may have seen “save the bees” on stickers or t-shirts, but why do bees and other pollinators need help in the first place? As a result of climate change, pesticide use, biodiversity loss, and other factors, many pollinators are facing dangerous population declines. Here’s why that’s a problem, and what you can do to make a difference.
Why Pollinators Are Important
Why are bees important? Honey bees, along with butterflies, bats, birds, and other animals, are pollinators, meaning that they pollinate flowers by transferring pollen between flowers. This is a crucial service because many plants cannot reproduce without the help of pollinators.
The USDA notes that “three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.” This demonstrates the importance of pollination in global food systems. In addition to supporting agriculture, pollinators also support the reproduction of flowering plants that:
Produce half of the world’s oils, fibers, and raw materials
Prevent soil erosion
Increase carbon sequestration
Therefore, the importance of bees in the ecosystem is not limited to honey and flowers. The work of bees and other pollinators is a vital part of ecosystem health around the globe.
Pollinator Conservation
Because pollinators play such an important role in our environment and food systems, pollinator conservation is essential. Scientific and public attention has recently been drawn to bee population decline: beekeepers around the US lost 45.5% of their managed honey bee colonies from April 2020 to April 2021.
There is also mounting concern for endangered butterflies, with the well-known and beloved monarch butterfly joining the ranks of endangered pollinators. In the US alone, five different species of butterflies have become extinct since 1950. Extinct butterflies around the world include the Xerces blue, the Morant’s blue, and the Sloane’s urania.
To help support pollinators in your area, you can take steps like:
Reconsidering pesticide use
Planting pollinator-friendly plants or gardens
Instead of killing bees in unwanted areas, reaching out to local beekeepers and having the bees rehomed
Advocating for awareness and legislation regarding pollinator conservation
Supporting nonprofit organizations and conservation initiatives through monetary donations, volunteering, or word-of-mouth
Reconsidering Pesticide Use & Considering Safer Alternatives
Pollinators are essential for a healthy ecosystem. They play a vital role in the reproduction of many plants, including food crops. Without pollinators, we would experience a decline in the production of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. Studies have shown that glyphosate (found in “Roundup”) can harm bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in a number of ways. It can kill them outright, reduce their reproductive success, and disrupt their foraging behavior. These effects can have a significant impact on pollinator populations. We need to take action to protect pollinators from glyphosate. This includes reducing the use of glyphosate, developing more sustainable alternatives when considering its effect on One Health, and supporting research into the effects of glyphosate on pollinators.
Here at International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), we want to improve the lives of people and animals worldwide, and you can help us do it! Donate now to support our international conservation efforts and animal health programs! Find out how you can get involved, sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date, and learn more about our decade of positive impact!
