BioSS Role

BioSS collaborated with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to investigate the factors driving pollinator populations. The investigation was based on pollinator data collected over a range of habitats and time periods. We used mixed models to account for the complexity of the data, allowing us to determine the key drivers of pollinator populations. For example, modelling showed how the relative value of semi-natural habitats in providing floral resources changed throughout the season. Pollinators appear to respond to changes in key floral resources, dynamically using different semi-natural habitats to meet their requirements. The knowledge gained from this work will help shape future pollinator conservation and agri-environmental initiatives.

Future developments

With agriculture relying on many biodiversity-dependant ecosystem services, increasing food production whilst protecting biodiversity is a key challenge to farming globally. Studies like ours provide the basis to explore how land use change (e.g. via policy interventions) influences insect pollinators and food production. Models that integrate biodiversity and production data can contribute to the achievement of sustainable intensification goals.

Image

Common Carder on Knapweed

Acknowledgements

This work was done in collaboration with Lorna Cole (SRUC) and was funded under the Scottish Government's Strategic Research Programme for environment, agriculture and food.