Global analysis on pollinators in cities: Wild bees and butterflies are at particular risk
Published:18 Jul.2023 Source:Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Cities are expanding all over the world and this is having a significant impact on the habitats of many animal species. The result: impervious surfaces, a reduction in plant diversity and more environmental pollution, such as light and air pollution. Pollinators, whose work is essential for a thriving ecosystem and hence human food security, are particularly affected.
"There are many studies that have examined the relationship between urbanisation, pollinators and pollination performance and have found negative effects. Because this work is very complex and time-consuming, the studies are usually limited to specific cities or regions," explains biologist Dr Panagiotis Theodorou from MLU. In order to obtain a global overview, he and researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences analysed data from 133 individual studies that looked at how urban growth impacts pollinators and their pollination performance. The analysis takes into account all of the Earth's continents with the exception of Antarctica.
Butterflies are being hit hardest by urban growth. Shrinking habitats and food availability are causing their populations to decline. The same applies to many wild bees that fly early in spring. The results underline the importance of nature conservation measures in urban areas.