Environment Matters Spring - Summer 2023

Pollinating ideas Three high-profile biodiversity experts ‘duked it out’ in an informative and entertaining debate at the recent Experience Nature Family Day.

THE SETTING

Which species is the most important for pollination? We bring the main points for you to decide.

BATS

BEES

BIRDS

VS

VS

Representing the bats: Dr Peggy Eby

Representing the bees: Dr Tim Heard

Representing the birds: Professor Hugh Possingham

The PROS check Bats migrate and carry pollen long distances and in complex patterns. Bats are able to track the eruptive pulses of pollen as different species of flower. Bats pollinate in huge numbers ensuring a thorough spread of pollen. The CONS Xmark Bats eat a lot of things beside flowers and pollen. Bats are under threat through habitat clearing and climate change.

The PROS check Bees are ‘professional pollinators’ and gain all their food from nectar and pollen. Plants evolved with bees, with species such as legumes only pollinated by bees. Bees are in the billions – and their short lifecycles mean they can scale up quickly. The CONS Xmark Bees are short-range pollinators and may not reach other plants of the same species. Native bees aren’t active in the cold weather.

The PROS check Birds are always pollinating – day and night, no matter the weather. Birds waste less pollen and are effective at getting pollen to different plants of the same species. Diverse bird species have evolved both as general and specialised pollinators. The CONS Xmark Many birds have diverse diets, turning to food sources other than pollen.

THE DECISION

Ultimately, all pollinators play a vital role in the ecosystem. Good pollination generates seeds that are genetically diverse and better able to respond to climate challenges.

Habitat loss is the single greatest threat to all these species. Make a difference at home by planting native flowering species and letting the grass grow and leaf litter remain.

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