5 fast facts about pollinators

Australian Pollinator Week is right around the corner (9 – 17 November 2024). It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the role these creatures play in sustaining our lives. Pollinators are an essential component of agricultural production and of healthy, biodiverse landscapes.

Today we’re sharing 5 facts about these unsung heroes.

1. What are pollinators?

Pollinators help plants find their perfect partners for reproduction. They carry pollen from one flower to another, ensuring that our fruits, vegetables and wildflowers can grow and thrive.

In Australia, we have a fantastic diversity of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, wasps, hoverflies, moths, flying foxes and pygmy-possums.

2. The food connection

Did you know that more than 75% of the world’s food crops rely on animal pollinators?

Many fruits like apples, strawberries and avocados, and veggies such as zucchinis and cucumbers would not exist without pollinators.

3. Australian natives rule

While introduced European honey bees may immediately spring to mind, did you know that Australia’s native bees play an important role in the environment?

You'll find more than 1,650 native bee species in Australia (200 in the Adelaide Hills alone), each with its special role in pollinating our diverse plants.

4. Threats to pollinators

Pollinators face some tough challenges. Pesticides, habitat loss and climate change are some of the hurdles in their path. But here's where we come in. By making environmentally friendly choices, like reducing pesticide use and planting pollinator-friendly plants, we can give them a helping hand.

5. You can make a difference

Now, the good news! You don't need a green thumb or a deep understanding of ecosystems to support our pollinators. Here are some practical tips:

• Channel your inner scientist: use your citizen science skills and join the Australian Pollinator Count. This year's count is taking place from 9 – 17 November 2024 and participating is simple! All you need to do is observe some flowers for 2 minutes and record the pollinators you see. You can learn more about how to take part on the Australian Pollinator Week website.
• Plant native flowers: Choose native plants for your garden. They provide the perfect buffet for our native pollinators. You can use the Botanic Garden’s Plant Selector tool to find the perfect match for your garden. If its native bees you’re after, they like white, yellow, blue and purple flowers best!
• Cut down on pesticides: Use natural alternatives or limit pesticide use. It keeps the pollinators safe and our environment healthier.
• Create habitat: Make your garden a haven for pollinators by offering shelter.
• Learn more: Australian Pollinator Week is all about raising awareness of pollinators and their needs, so learning more and understanding the role they play in the world is a great place to start. There are a range of events on offer across the week, including opportunities to hear from experts on topics like Bee Friendly Farming for Livestock.

This Australian Pollinator Week, take a moment to appreciate these mighty eco-heroes. Your simple actions can go a long way in ensuring they keep buzzing and fluttering around, doing what they do best – keeping our environment in good shape.

Have you enjoyed learning about pollinators? Discover why bees are so important to the environmentand how to attract them to your garden.

Main image: Blue banded bee (image courtesy of Martin Stokes)