Historical collections as a tool for assessing the global pollination crisis. (7th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bartomeus, I.; Stavert, J. R.; Ward, D.; Aguado, O.
• Is Part Of: Philosophical transactions. Volume 374:Number 1763(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01-07
• Subjects: museums -- biodiversity -- global change -- bees -- syrphid flies -- butterflies; Biology -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0389
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8436

Abstract

Abstract : There is increasing concern about the decline of pollinators worldwide. However, despite reports that pollinator declines are widespread, data are scarce and often geographically and taxonomically biased. These biases limit robust inference about any potential pollinator crisis. Non-structured and opportunistic historical specimen collection data provide the only source of historical information which can serve as a baseline for identifying pollinator declines. Specimens historically collected and preserved in museums not only provide information on where and when species were collected, but also contain other ecological information such as species interactions and morphological traits. Here, we provide a synthesis of how researchers have used historical data to identify long-term changes in biodiversity, species abundances, morphology and pollination services. Despite recent advances, we show that information on the status and trends of most pollinators is absent. We highlight opportunities and limitations to progress the assessment of pollinator declines globally. Finally, we demonstrate different approaches to analysing museum collection data using two contrasting case studies from distinct geographical regions (New Zealand and Spain) for which long-term pollinator declines have never been assessed. There is immense potential for museum specimens to play a central role in assessing the extent of the global pollination crisis. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological collections for understanding biodiversity in the Anthropocene'.