Ecological networks are the foundation of ecosystems. Beeconnected (an NWO Veni grant) aims to enhance our understanding of how these networks are impacted by global change, specifically focusing on wild bees and their food plants, which are experiencing significant global declines. The research will leverage detailed biodiversity data and novel modeling techniques to predict species co-occurrence and interaction networks across Europe, both currently and in the future. This project will provide scientific insights into modeling interactions in time and space and offer outputs relevant for the conservation of bee-plant communities.
Project deliverables
The project will produce several important outcomes. It will contribute to the development of advanced modeling approaches in ecology, particularly in dealing with opportunistic data for interaction modeling. The project aims to identify knowledge gaps, guide future research efforts, and support conservation planning through mapping and predictive tools. For example the beefall.org tool will be updated with new approaches to challenge the existing data shortfalls we have for wild bees in Europe and beyond, particularly the Eltonian shortfall (our understanding of species interactions). Overall, it will enhance understanding of pollinator dynamics and help inform pollinator conservation across Europe.
Who workon this project?
Our team:
More information
Nature Today article about a 'bed and breakfast' for bees (in Dutch)