Insect Pollinator Loss Could Place Cocoa, Coffee, Mango, Other Tropical Crops at Risk, Study Finds

According to a new study, cocoa, coffee, mango, and other tropical crops could be at risk because of insect pollinator loss.

Insect Pollinator Loss

The study examined the complex interplay between changes in land use, climate change, and how these affect the diversity of pollinators. It ultimately sheds light on great implications when it comes to crop pollination across the globe.

Data taken from 1,507 global sites for crop growing was compiled in the study. The research also cataloged 3,080 species of insect pollinators.

Such measures enabled the researchers to expose a trend that warrants concern. More specifically, a mix of pressures of agricultural activities and climate change led to great declines in insect pollinator richness and abundance.

Crops that are relatively dependent on animal pollination comprise 75% of total crops. The research team made a model that examined which dependent crops were at highest risk up to the year 2050, with hopes that conservation and agricultural communities could be warned.

Tropical Crops At Risk

Dr. Joe Millard, the lead author of the study who participated in the efforts as part of his Ph.D. studies at the Center for Biodiversity & Environment Research at University College London, explains that the research shows that tropical crops are likely to be the most at risk when it comes to pollinator losses in crop production. This is mainly due to the interaction between land use and climate change.

Dr. Millard also adds that the highest localized risks can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asia, and northern south America. However, the implications for this risk are global due to the trade of these crops that depend on pollination.

With the decline of insects due to being unable to cope with the impacts of land use and climate change, crops that depend on these pollinators could also see declines. While there are cases where the crops can be manually pollinated by hand, this would necessitate more costs and labor.

Aside from noting the trend, the study also reveals the importance of pollinator richness and abundance when it comes to providing services of pollination. It is clear that climate change mitigation efforts could significantly dampen future crop production risks.

The study is a clear reminder of how ecosystems are interconnected with each other. It also highlights the vital role of pollinators when it comes to food security and agriculture sustainability. Overall, the findings stress the need to carry out global efforts for climate change mitigation alongside slowing down the changes in land use. Natural habitats should also be protected in order to keep insect pollinators away from harm.

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