According to an international study in which Agroscope took part, hoverflies need only 6% semi-natural habitat to safeguard their populations, whilst wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies need 15%, 18% and 42%, respectively.
Researchers from an international consortium of which Agroscope is a member investigated what minimum targets for habitats would have a positive impact on pollinating insects. The focus here was on improving quality and less on expanding the area.
Six to 42 per cent semi-natural areas necessary
Forschende aus einem internationalen Konsortium mit Beteiligung von Agroscope haben untersucht, welche Mindestziele für Lebensräume eine positive Wirkung auf Bestäuberinsekten haben. Dabei wurde der Fokus auf die Verbesserung der Qualität gelegt, weniger auf die Ausweitung der Fläche.An analysis based on 59 studies showed that hoverflies need only 6% semi-natural habitat, whilst wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies need 15%, 18% and 42%, respectively. Where an increase in area is not possible, habitat quality can be sharply increased e.g. via greater floral diversity.
Crops can also promote biodiversity
Flowering crops also promote insect populations, particularly in landscapes that are fairly homogeneous. Here, the presence of different habitat types and the interconnectedness of these habitats are crucial for biodiversity.
Future protective strategies could, for example, place greater emphasis on quality and variety, and compensate farmers for improvements.
