Conservation of pollinators in the Canary Islands

Pollinators are experiencing a global decline due to the direct and indirect impacts of human activities, jeopardizing a key ecosystem service for both natural and agricultural systems. Oceanic islands represent ecosystems with high diversity of endemic pollinators but also high vulnerability to human-driven disturbances. Therefore, understanding their distribution, phenology, interactions, and the conservation status of their populations is essential for establishing effective conservation measures.

This project aims to generate knowledge on the distribution and conservation status of the main pollinator species in the archipelago, in order to identify areas of importance for pollinators both now and under future climate-change scenarios. We also aim to involve Canarian citizens in monitoring these species through the use of ICT tools. Additionally, the project seeks to highlight the natural heritage of the Canary Islands—including their high number of endemic pollinators and beekeeping tradition—to create added value for the islands’ tourism sector.

The results of the project will provide detailed knowledge about insular pollinators and the status of their populations, which will significantly support the development of targeted and effective measures to protect the most threatened lineages. These actions will help ensure a robust and sustainable pollination service, supported by a diverse pollinator community that can buffer against future human-driven impacts.

Implementation period: 2021-2023. 

Funding: RIS3 Gobierno Autónomo de Canarias (PROID2021010023). PI: Carlos Ruiz