Pollinators

Pollinators are animals that move pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another, enabling fertilization and seed production in flowering plants. They include a wide range of taxa and are essential for reproduction in many species. Most plants rely on biotic pollination rather than abiotic processes such as wind or water.

Major pollinator groups include bees (honeybees, bumblebees and other native species), butterflies and moths, birds such as hummingbirds, bats, flies and beetles. Some plants are highly specialized to a single pollinator, while others are visited by many species. Pollination often occurs as animals seek nectar or pollen, with pollen adhering to bodies and transferring between flowers.

Pollinators support plant diversity, food webs and crop yields. Many fruits, nuts, seeds and oils depend on animal-mediated pollination. In agriculture, managed pollinators, especially honeybees, are used to enhance production, while wild pollinators contribute to resilience and yield stability. Not all crops require pollinators; some are wind- or self-pollinated, but many crops benefit from animal-mediated pollination.

Threats to pollinators include habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, diseases, invasive species and fragmentation. Conservation measures include preserving diverse floral habitats, planting native flowering plants, creating habitat corridors, reducing pesticide use, and supporting integrated pest management and pollinator-friendly farming practices.