Pollination services and pollinator diversity are essential in preserving food security and conservation of biodiversity. Bees are one of the very important pollinators. Besides the very well-known honeybees there are many other bee species that play significant roles.

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