Urbanization linked to a 43% drop in pollinating insects

Increasing urbanization is linked to a drop in populations of crucial pollinators, including night butterflies, Soverflies and Bees, according to a new study by the University of Sheffield.

Research, which paints a worrying image for biodiversity, is published in the Acts of the Royal Society B: Biological sciences.

On the allocation sites to Sheffield, Leeds and Leicester, a research team sampled the species of pollinators in a range of urban environments, from city centers to more suburban areas. They found that there was a drop in the abundance of species and wealth – up to 43% – on attributions located in more constructed areas.

The results suggest that a wide range of pollinators are threatened in urban landscapes, and researchers warn that more must be done to understand and keep pollinating insects which are vulnerable to the effects of loss of habitat by urbanization.

Emilie Ellis, the main author of the study by the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, said: “The extent of the threat for many pollinators species remains relatively unknown due to a global accent on bees. However, butterflies and kidnappings are just as important for our ecosystems, and our results show that they can be particularly vulnerable in urban habitats.

“Pollination insects are essential for the reproduction of up to 90% of wild flower plant species and many species of crops. As urbanization causes greater loss of habitat, insect communities suffer and ecosystems become fragile. Our study identifies some of the characteristics of urban green spaces which are essential for preservation and growth of habitats for pollinators are vulnerable to an environmental change. “. “”

The study shows that the cause of reducing the diversity and abundance of pollinators varies according to the species, but is mainly motivated by a reduction in the canopy of trees and semi-natural habitat which is part of the green spaces found in our cities.

Jill Edmondson, principal author of the University of Sheffield’s Bioscience School, said: “The attributions form oases with green space in the urban landscape, with a rich mixture of species of cultures and flowers to support communities of pollinators, but, like the area of the impermeant surface (or the concrete, the tarmac and the buildings which often form the group of Urban landscape. Consequences on the pollination of cultures and finally yield to more urban powers.

“Our study demonstrates the importance of urban semi-natural spaces for insects, on which we count, not only to make our gardens beautiful, but to support world agricultural systems.”

Stuart Campbell, co-author of the University of Sheffield Bioscience School, said: “All pollinated insects find it difficult to find food and suitable habitats in cities, but there have not been many studies directly comparing the different groups. The greatest sensitivity of hoverflies and butterflies to urbanization could be due to their ecological needs.

“All these species need flowers to eat, but butterflies also require the awnings of trees and shrubs, and food plants for their caterpillars, while many perpetrators require standing water to reproduce. These are all habitat characteristics that can be much more difficult to find in more strongly constructed areas, and we will need to consider these characteristics group of industries for future insects. ” “.

The team claims that the results should underline a more nuanced approach to the conservation of pollinators, and emphasize that more engagement with urban planners, stakeholders and political decision-makers is necessary to successfully protect the characteristics of the habitat necessary to support and support various communities of pollinated insects in urban areas.

Emilie Ellis is currently a postdoctoral associate with the research center for ecological change at the University of Helsinki.