Assessment of pollinators and pollination services

Abstract

Assessing both pollinator declines and pollen deposition deficits, which may result in diminished seed and fruit sets, is one of the principal priorities identified by international pollination experts, and is therefore one of the elements in the IPI Plan of Action. Such an assessment is needed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the status and trends of pollinator diversity and distribution and to provide information useful for enhancing pollinator conservation and sustainable use. Assessing pollinator status and trends is complicated. Scientific data on the status of pollinators and the state of pollination services are inadequate. Observations suggest that a decline in pollinator abundance is occurring, but often these observations are considered anecdotal. Documenting a decline reliably can help identify specific areas of concern. Measurement and assessment of pollination services therefore need to be properly planned and designed to produce verifiable results.