Diversity, threats and conservation of native bees in the Neotropics

Author(s)

Freitas, Breno M. ^[1] ; Imperatriz-Fonseca, Vera Lucia ^[2] ; Medina, Luis M. ^[3] ; Peixoto Kleinert, Astrid de Matos ^[2] ; Galetto, Leonardo ^[4] ; Nates-Parra, Guiomar ^[5] ; Quezada-Euan, J. Javier G. ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Ceara, Dept Zootecn CCA, BR-60021970 Fortaleza, Ceara - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol, Inst Biociencias, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Autonoma Yucatan, Dept Apicultura, Merida 97100 - Mexico

^[4] Univ Nacl Cordoba, IMBIV UNC CONICET, Dept Diversidad Biol & Ecol, Fac Ciencias Exactas Fis & Nat, RA-5000 Cordoba - Argentina

^[5] Univ Nacl Colombia, Dept Biol, Fac Ciencias, Bogota, DC - Colombia

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Apidologie; v. 40, n. 3, p. 332-346, MAY-JUN 2009.
• Web of Science Citations: 97

Abstract

The Neotropics bee fauna is very rich with 5000 recognised species, including 33 genera (391 species) of Meliponini, but it is estimated to be at least three fold greater in species richness. Deforestation, agriculture intensification and introduction/spread of exotic competing bee species are considered the main threats to most indigenous species, although other less obvious causes can affect the populations of some bee species locally. Efforts to conserve the native bee fauna include better knowledge of bee richness and diversity (standardized surveys, larger bee collections and appropriate identification of bee species) and of their population dynamics, raising of public and policy makers' awareness, commercial applications of bee products and services such as pollination and preservation of natural habitat. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 04/15801-0 - Biodiversity and sustainable use of pollinators, with emphasis on Meliponini bees
• Grantee: Vera Lucia Imperatriz-Fonseca
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants