Pollination is crucial for over three-quarters of food crops, with bees representing a significant biotic pollinator group. There are over 20,000 bee species, which face threats from factors like pesticides, habitat loss, and diseases such as colony collapse disorder. Effective practices to support bee populations include creating nesting sites, ensuring food availability, and managing pesticide use in relation to blooming seasons.

1. Pollination services & bees

2. POLLINATION
 pollen is transferred in the reproduction of
plants, thereby enabling fertilization and sexual
reproduction.
 > 3/4 of food crops
require pollinators
 20% Abiotic
 80% Biotic
 Bees, butterflies, flies,
bats, birds, rodents, etc.

5. BEES
 > 1mln insects named
 Exoskeleton, 3 pairs of legs, compound eyes, one
pair of antenna
 >20,000 bee species, est. 7-9 families
 6 families in Africa:
1. Colletidae
2. Andrenidae
3. Megachilidae
4. Halictidae
5. Apidae
6. Melittidae

6. BEES

7. BEE

8. HONEY BEE
 Generalists
 Rent out hives
 Honey production
 Some carry pollen
(for “building” – close, as pollen is collected
more quickly), others nectar (far).
 Threat: mites, fungi, Colony Collapse Disorder

9. TOMATOES
 Wind
 Mechanical
shaking
 Bees

10. STINGLESS BEES (SIZE FROM 2MM)

11. CARPENTER BEE (SIZE EVEN 2.5CM)

12. CARPENTER BEE – STEALING NECTAR

13. CARPENTER BEE WITH POLLEN

14. CARPENTER BEE

15. THREATS
 Harmful practices (Clearing of natural areas,
Monocultures, Grazing, Pesticides)
 Invasion of non-native plant and animals

16. HAND POLLINATION

17. GOOD PRACTICES
FORAGING – NESTING - SHELTER
E.g.
 Food sources
 Create nesting sites
 Corridors
 Consider blooming seasons (pesticides)

18. THANKS