A new study from the Himalayan foothills has revealed that roadside vegetation and farms can play an important role in supporting native bee populations. Researchers studying pollinators in the Jammu region found that these human-modified landscapes often attract a surprising variety of bee species, challenging the long-held belief that biodiversity is highest only in untouched natural habitats.
The research was conducted by scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Jammu. During field surveys carried out between 2022 and 2023, researchers recorded 1,087 individual bees belonging to 21 species. The study focused on native bees that are not part of the honeybee group, often referred to as non-Apis pollinators.
Scientists identified bees from seven different genera, including Bombus (bumblebees), Amegilla (blue-banded bees), Thyreus (cuckoo bees), Xylocopa (large carpenter bees), Ceratina (small carpenter bees), Braunsapis and Melissodes.
Researchers initially expected that undisturbed forests or natural meadows would host the highest number of bee species. However, the results showed something different. Farms and roadside vegetation in the Himalayan foothills often supported greater bee diversity than natural grasslands and meadows.
According to the scientists, this pattern is largely explained by the availability of flowering plants. Agricultural fields and roadside areas often contain a mixture of crops, weeds, and wild plants that bloom at different times of the year. This creates a continuous supply of nectar and pollen, which attracts many pollinators.
Native bees play an essential role in pollination across the Himalayan region. Experts say they are particularly important for crops such as apples, peaches, plums, mustard, buckwheat, and pulses. Many native species are also adapted to cooler temperatures and higher altitudes, allowing them to remain active when managed honeybees reduce their activity.
However, researchers caution that not all human-modified environments benefit pollinators. Highly intensive farming systems that rely on monoculture crops and heavy pesticide use can reduce bee populations significantly. The study focused mainly on moderately disturbed landscapes where a variety of plants and habitats still exist.
Scientists also emphasized that native bees cannot simply replace honeybees unless their habitats are protected. Unlike managed honeybees, native pollinators cannot be transported or supplemented by farmers. Their survival depends on the availability of nesting sites, flowering plants, and reduced pesticide exposure.
The study highlights a broader issue in India’s pollination policies. Most agricultural programmes currently focus on honeybee management, while native pollinators receive little attention. Experts say protecting natural habitats, maintaining flowering plants along roads and farms, and reducing pesticide use could significantly strengthen pollinator populations.
Climate change is also creating new challenges for bees in the Himalayan region. Rising temperatures and shifting flowering seasons may cause mismatches between plant blooming periods and pollinator activity. These disruptions could affect both wild plant reproduction and crop yields in the future.
Researchers believe that supporting diverse pollinator communities is essential for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health in mountain regions. Protecting native bees, especially in climate-sensitive landscapes like the Himalayas, could play a crucial role in securing food production and biodiversity in the years ahead.