What percentage of pollination is done by bees

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The Role of Bees in Global Pollination: A Quantitative Analysis

Introduction to Bee Pollination

Bees are widely recognized as crucial pollinators in agricultural ecosystems. They contribute significantly to the pollination of a variety of crops, which in turn supports global food production and economic stability. This article synthesizes research findings to quantify the percentage of pollination performed by bees and highlights their importance in the agricultural sector.

Bees as Primary Pollinators

Contribution to Global Food Production

Bees are responsible for pollinating a substantial portion of the world's crops. Research indicates that animal-based pollination contributes to 30% of global food production, with bee-pollinated crops accounting for approximately one-third of the total human dietary supply. This underscores the critical role bees play in ensuring food security and enhancing crop quality and quantity.

Economic Value of Bee Pollination

The economic impact of bee pollination is profound. It has been calculated that 9.5% of the total economic value of agricultural production is derived from insect pollination, amounting to nearly USD 200 billion globally. This includes the pollination of over 100 important crops, such as fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and legumes, which are essential for human nutrition and economic stability.

Comparative Effectiveness of Bee Pollination

Efficiency of Different Bee Species

Studies have shown that different bee species vary in their pollination effectiveness. For instance, Bombus spp. queens and Andrena spp. are highly efficient, pollinating significantly more flowers per visit compared to nectar-foraging honey bees (Apis mellifera). This efficiency is crucial for crops like lowbush blueberry, where effective pollination directly impacts yield and quality.

Wild Bees vs. Managed Honey Bees

Wild bees also play a significant role in pollination. In some agroecosystems, wild bees have been found to exceed the pollination thresholds required for optimal crop production, making the rental of honey bee hives potentially unnecessary. Additionally, interactions between wild and honey bees can enhance the pollination efficiency of honey bees, as observed in hybrid sunflower fields.

Non-Bee Pollinators

Contribution of Non-Bee Insects

While bees are often considered the primary pollinators, non-bee insects also contribute significantly to crop pollination. Research indicates that non-bee insects provide 25-50% of the total number of flower visits, compensating for their lower per-visit effectiveness with higher visitation rates. This highlights the importance of considering a diverse range of pollinators in agricultural practices.

Robustness to Environmental Changes

Non-bee pollinators are less reliant on natural or semi-natural habitats compared to bees, making their pollination services more robust to changes in land use. This resilience is crucial for maintaining crop production stability in the face of environmental changes and habitat loss.

Conclusion

Bees, both wild and managed, are indispensable to global crop pollination, contributing significantly to food production and economic value. While bees account for a substantial portion of pollination activities, non-bee insects also play a vital role, ensuring the robustness and stability of pollination services. Understanding the contributions of various pollinators can help in developing effective conservation strategies and agricultural practices to sustain and enhance pollination services globally.