How good is the evidence base for pollinator declines? A comment on the recent Ghazoul and Goulson Science correspondence

Prof. Jeff Ollerton - ecological scientist and author

In a recent issue of the journal Science, Dave Goulson and colleagues presented a review entitled “Bee declines driven by combined stress from parasites, pesticides, and lack of flowers”.  This stimulated Jaboury Ghazoul to submit a letter to Science criticising the Goulson et al. paper from a number of perspectives, but particularly the paucity of the evidence base for pollinator declines. Dave and his co-authors robustly responded to that letter, as you might imagine. In some respects this was an unsatisfactory exchange, however, as the focus was largely on agricultural pollinators, rather than pollinators of all plants (including the majority non-cultivated species) and I think that (perhaps with more space?) Dave could have outlined the evidence in more depth.

The most striking statement in Jaboury’s letter was that the “evidence for pollinator declines is almost entirely confined to honeybees and bumblebees in Europe and North America”.

Now, even…

View original post 1,042 more words

Happy World Environment Day 2015

By Paul Gacheru, TBA Alumni – Mpala/ Naivasha 2007

Over the years the Tropical Biology Association has worked to build the capacity of conservation scientists from across the globe. Working in ideal and biodiversity rich field sites in Eastern Africa and Madagascar, we have introduced young conservation scientists to the realities of field research and conservation issues.

Our trainers have been very influential in shaping the mind-set of the trainees to broadening their perspective on contemporary ecological and conservation science studies. Through our training program, we create conservation champions who are applying the skills learnt on our courses back in their countries.

As we celebrate this year’s World Environment Day, just like our TBA alumni are doing all over the world, we urge you to continually work together in safeguarding our environment and the species in them and disseminate helpful information towards strengthening conservation effort across the world.

PS: Have you ever thought of how many species you can get in one cubic foot: have a look at this exciting feature by National Geographic to learn more about the biological diversity which occur in small areas.

Happy #WED2015