pollinator

Pollinators are animals that move pollen from the male to the female reproductive structures of flowers, enabling fertilization and seed production. Abiotic vectors such as wind and water also transfer pollen, but these are not typically classified as pollinators.

Common pollinators include bees (honey bees, bumblebees and solitary bees), butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and, in some ecosystems, birds such as hummingbirds and bats. Pollinators visit flowers to obtain rewards like nectar and pollen, and pollen grains latch onto their bodies. When they visit another flower, some pollen is transferred to the stigma, facilitating fertilization. Pollination can be self-pollination or cross-pollination, with cross-pollination often increasing genetic diversity.

Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many wild plants and for many crops. It is estimated that about one-third of the world’s crop yields depend on animal pollination, providing fruits, seeds and oils that contribute to food security and biodiversity. The plant–pollinator relationship is frequently specialized and coevolved, though many plants are visited by a range of pollinators.

Pollination faces threats from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change and emerging diseases. Conservation actions include preserving diverse flowering habitats, reducing pesticide use, creating pollinator-friendly landscapes with continuous floral resources, and supporting integrated pest management. Protecting pollinators helps maintain ecosystem services, crop yields and biodiversity.