Pollinators keep the world running. They are responsible for around 75% of the world’s flowering plants. Notable pollinators are bees, butterflies, moths, birds, beetles, and other insects. Without pollinators, the only plants that would be able to reproduce would be those pollinated by the wind. This would lead to a significant decrease in biodiversity. Biodiversity is crucial for the continued survival of all species.
What is pollination
Simply explained, pollination is the reproductive process of plants, which is often aided by outside factors. Pollinators, like bees or butterflies, fly from flower to flower, collecting pollen from the male reproductive organ on their bodies while searching for nectar. As they move on to other flowers, the pollen on their bodies brush against the female reproductive plants of the plant, fertilizing the plant. This process is pollination. When a plant is pollinated, it is able to produce fruit.
The problem
Without pollinators, the only plants that would be able to reproduce would be those pollinated by the wind. This would lead to a significant decrease in biodiversity. Biodiversity is crucial for the continued survival of all species. Pollinators are in trouble; their numbers are decreasing.
Why are numbers decreasing?
There are several threats pollinators currently face. Their ideal habitat is decreasing, they are being poisoned, and they are being pushed out. There are around 70 species of pollinators that are currently listed as threatened or endangered due to the factors described below.
Pollinators continue to have fewer and fewer places to feed and breed. Native flowering plant species are dwindling. Invasive plant species (plants that would not naturally grow in a given area) are out-competing native species. Native pollinators need native plant species to survive.
Human development wipes out wild habitat for pollinators. In housing developments, natural areas are turned into monocultures of cut invasive green grass, leaving no place for pollinators to feed or breed. Imported invasive pollinator species can also infect native pollinators with diseases and parasites, having a negative impact on their total population numbers.
Pesticides are a problem for pollinators as well. When crops and other plants are sprayed with pesticides, they are covered with and absorb dangerous chemicals that can be toxic to pollinators. As a result, pollinators feed on these poisoned plants, not knowing that it is harmful and sometimes lethal.
Climate change is an ongoing problem for many species, including pollinators. As temperatures rise earlier in the year, plants flower sooner. This causes the pollinators to lose the opportunity to feed. If the nectar in these flowers are not being fed on by pollinators, then they are not being pollinated. Without pollination, they are not able to grow fruit. This is a dangerous cycle that can do indirect harm to every species on the planet, including humans.
How to help
Plant native plants in your yard, garden, or window sill. A small patch of native flowering plants can do incredible things for native pollinators. Be sure to research the native plants that will benefit the pollinators in your area.
Avoid using pesticides. Pesticides are dangerous for pollinators. Try not to use them in your garden or on your lawns.
Try alternative landscaping. Consider choosing a clover lawn over a conventional lawn. Not only does this help pollinators, it also conserves water!
Get curious! Do some research on how your community can help its pollinators.
Sources
https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators/threats
https://www.pollinator.org/threats
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/bee-collects-nectar-and-pollen-gm612004160-105369433
*Published by Danika Torgerson on 08/09/2025*