Pollinator Decline Threatens Australasian Biodiversity and Food Production

Pollination is a vital process that sustains life on Earth, but it is under threat from human activities.

A new study revealed that Australasia, a region that hosts a wealth of unique plants and animals, has likely overlooked a pollination crisis that could have devastating impacts on biodiversity and food security.

The overlooked crisis that could wipe out thousands of species and jeopardize food security

(Photo : KHALIL MAZRAAWI/afp/AFP via Getty Images)

Australasia is home to a rich diversity of plants and animals that depend on pollination for their survival and reproduction.

However, a new study published in the journal Ecology and Evolution warned that Australasia has likely overlooked a pollination crisis, which could threaten biodiversity and food security in the region.

The study, led by Macquarie University, analyzed thousands of research papers on human-induced pollinator decline globally, and found that despite only a tiny portion mentioning Australasia, the causes of pollinator decline in the northern hemisphere were mirrored in this region.

The authors identified several threats that include loss of natural habitat, climate change, pesticide use, pathogen spread, and introduced species.

These factors contribute to population decline in both pollinators and the plants they pollinate.

The study also highlighted the lack of monitoring and data on the status and trends of pollinators and pollination systems in Australasia.

The researchers warned that ignoring the pollination crisis could have serious consequences for the region's biodiversity and food security.

They estimated that there are 15,000 animal species that act as plant pollinators in Australia alone, and 20,000 species of flowering plants that rely on or benefit from animal pollination.

 Many of these species are endemic to Australasia, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

Pollination also supports many food crops that humans consume, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, chocolate, and honey.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), pollinators affect 35 percent of global agricultural land, supporting the production of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide.

The FAO also states that pollination contributes to human nutritional diversity, vitamin sufficiency, and food quality

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What can be done to save Australasia's pollinators?

The study's authors called for urgent action to address the pollination crisis in Australasia. They recommended collecting more detailed taxonomic and ecological data on the region's flora and fauna, as well as implementing conservation measures to protect and restore natural habitats, reduce pesticide use, prevent pathogen spread, and manage introduced species

They also emphasized the importance of conserving local indigenous pollinators, which may have unique adaptations and interactions with native plants.

The introduced European honey bee has spread throughout Australia, playing a key role in pollination of some crops, but competing with native bees and other pollinators and disrupting pollination systems

The researchers urged for more public awareness and education on the value and importance of pollinators and pollination services.

According to them, engaging with local communities, farmers, land managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and policies that support pollinator health and diversity.

They also encouraged more research and collaboration among scientists from different disciplines and regions to better understand the complex dynamics of pollination systems and their responses to environmental changes.

They expressed their hope that their study would inspire more attention and action on this critical issue.

One of the authors of the study was Honorary Professor Graham Pyke from Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences.

He explained that pollinators are essential for maintaining biodiversity and food security.

He also said that he hoped their study would raise awareness of the hidden pollination crisis in Australasia and motivate more research and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable creatures.

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