Study Reveals Possible Reasons for the Decline of Pollinators

Countryside Survey Integrated Assessment was conducted by the Countryside Survey Partnership to investigate status and trends of ecological processes that are important for individuals or society in Great Britain, especially concerning various ecosystem services, such as pollination, soils, and the quality of freshwaters and their relationship with biodiversity. Results of the analysis revealed that from 1990 to 2007 the number of wild plant species that produce nectar has decreased leading to reduced number of pollinators. The decline of the pollinators is due to nectar providing plants being dominated by more competitive plant species.The overgrowth may be attributed to the decreased management and air pollution wherein the nitrogenous compounds in the air serve as fertilizers.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said, "Pollinating insects are vital to our existence, helping to provide the food on our tables. It is important that we investigate the causes of the decline and take action to address it. The UK has some of the best environmental scientists in the world and using their skills we are gathering more information on changes to our land and the effects this has on species and habitats. This survey will help us analyze what effects policy decisions have and where and how we need to take action."

For more details, visit http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2010/10/27/pollinators-news/. The Countryside Survey is available at http://www.countrysidesurvey.org.uk/.