Report of the US Department of Agriculture and US Department of the Interior Joint Workshop on Declining Pollinators
Abstract
Pollinators such as bees, birds, and bats are important components of agricultural and natural ecosystems. Current evidence suggests that populations of some pollinators are declining because of habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use, and the effects of invasive species. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior held a joint workshop on declining pollinators to assess the current status of pollinator populations and to recommend research directions for their agencies. The two-day workshop on 27 - 28 May 1999 in Logan, Utah, included presentations by federal scientists and university and museum researchers on the evidence and causes of pollinator declines and on resulting problems for agriculture, changing patterns in pollination of wild plants, and implications for natural communities. The participants discussed research needs and joint research strategies for both agencies. Important recommendations included establishing monitoring programs to assess trends in pollinator populations, conducting biological surveys of pollinators, fostering study of bee systematics, assessing the roles of pollinators in natural and agricultural systems, and restoring pollinator habitat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA395801
Entities
People
- Howard S. Ginsberg
- Vincent J. Tepedino