Date: December
7, 2017
Source:
Michigan State University
The first complete bee census, led by
Michigan State University scientists, confirmed a new species and revealed that
the actual number of bee species in Michigan exceeded earlier estimates.
Identifying potential pollinators, including
the 38 new bees recorded in the state, is crucial, especially in the face of
declining honey bee populations. All pollinators make an estimated $14 billion
annual contribution to U.S. agriculture, so it's imperative to understand wild
bee populations and their benefits to crops and the environment.
"Pollinator conservation is not possible
without a good understanding of what bees we have and where they are
found," said Jason Gibbs, former MSU graduate student now with University
of Manitoba. "We need better and more thorough sampling of our wild bee
communities and an increased emphasis on understanding their basic taxonomy and
natural history."
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