Biodiversity, pollinators and conservation

This story is adapted from a presentation by James Paterson, Research scientist, Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research.

Biodiversity benefits to communities

Land use change has the largest negative impact on nature. We know that habitat loss affects biodiversity by reducing the space and types of habitats that species require. As we lose habitats, wildlife species drop out of those areas. In some cases, those species will be lost permanently.

As an ecologist, I see intrinsic value in biodiversity and natural areas but there are also many tangible reasons to care about the future of native plants and wildlife species.

Ecosystem services supported by biodiversity include:

• Carbon storage
• Genetic resources
• Pest control
• Pollination
• Recreation
• Water quality
• Water storage

Habitat helps pollinators

Since 1938, DUC has worked to conserve and restore habitat. In fact, DUC’s first conservation project was completed more than 85 years ago, and today, this mission has grown to include more than 13,000 habitat projects involving more than 22,000 landowners, all of which conserves more than six million acres (two million hectares) in Canada.

Wetlands and grasslands are biodiversity hotspots that support pollinators. When we think of wetlands, we often think of charismatic species such as beavers, ducks and even large invertebrates like dragonflies. However, wetlands are also critical habitats for pollinators including butterflies, many species of moths, wild bees, and other flying pollinating insects. A large part of the reason that wetlands are so valuable is the extensive biodiversity they support.

Research conducted by DUC scientists, in collaboration with scientists at the University of Calgary, found that wetlands in agricultural areas are vital reservoirs for pollinator habitat. Wetlands provide important nesting habitat for bees, which then move into nearby fields and pollinate crops. This is why it’s essential to maintain wetland habitats both within and adjacent to agricultural fields to provide the necessary cover for nesting bees, allowing them to help pollinate our food.

Grasslands are another important habitat for pollinators. Canada’s grasslands support an incredibly large amount of biodiversity, including more than 30 species at risk. These include bird species like the bobolink and more than 350 species of wild bees.

Three ways to save biodiversity

Loss of habitat is directly linked to biodiversity decline, and land-use change is one of the leading threats to wild pollinators.

1.     Conserve existing habitats

Several effective solutions can help conserve these natural habitats. The first and most obvious is to conserve existing habitats through strategic land purchases, creating new protected areas, and working in partnership with landowners and land managers to protect the remaining habitats.

2.     Restore what’s lost

However, conserving the remaining habitat is not enough; we must also restore some of what has been lost. One way to do this is by restoring wetlands. For instance, after restoring a drained wetland in an agricultural field, recovery starts within a few months and many wetland and prairie plants naturally regrow in the area.

Inside of two years, a restored wetland in an agricultural field is shown to be full of native wetland and prairie species, providing important habitat for pollinators that can then move into the adjacent fields.

3.     Re-evaluate our natural systems

To make big gains in habitat, we need a societal shift to recognize the worth of natural systems and change the way we value them. By working together to enact policies that value pollinators, biodiversity, and these natural habitats, and by collaborating on conservation and restoration, we can protect them for future generations.

How can you personally support biodiversity?

Join groups that are conserving habitat you believe is important. Whether you volunteer, donate, or work to change policies, your efforts are valuable.