Mutualism between Bees and Plant Biodiversity

ABSTRACT Purpose: Biodiversity is an attribute of an area and specifically refers to the variety within and among living organisms, assemblages of living organisms, biotic communities, and biotic processes, whether naturally occurring or modified by humans while bees (Apidae) are the most important group of pollinators. The purpose of this research was to investigate the causes of decline of bees’ population in the environment vide syntheses of existing scholarly research in answering: (i) what are the threats facing bees and (ii) how can the threats facing bees be addressed to reverse the decline rate. Methodology: The methodology adopted was systematic literature review on the subject matter. Findings: Findings are that, the threats include: changes in land use, loss and fragmentation of habitats, introduction of exotic organisms, modern agricultural practices, pesticides, crop monoculture, agrochemicals, biotic and abiotic stressors caused by human activities, global warming and climate change. The various strategies that can be used to revert the trend include: investment in restoration and management of a diversity of pollinators and their habitats, introduction of new tillage (reduced, minimum, and non-tillage), minimal use of agrochemicals and timing of their applications, conservation or introduction of hedge grows and their constituent weedy plants, encouraging blooming weeds or establishing diverse plantings, and incorporating structural diversities. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: In conclusion, people are putting more strain on the world than before, consuming and using more things than before, and risk upsetting ecological equilibrium and wiping off species. Healthy ecosystems purify our waters, cleanse our air, manage our soil, control our climates, reuse nutrients, and provide us with food. They provide raw materials to the pharmaceutical industry and other industries and the demand for animal pollination services is rising at the same time that pollinator abundance and diversity are declining. I recommend that environmental education and civic awareness should be used so that individuals can recognize the difference between the essential requirements and limited natural resources available.