‘Know thy Pollinators’

The western Himalayan region is one of the most ecologically significant and biologically diverse mountain ecosystems globally and provides critical habitat for numerous pollinator species. In fact, as a transitional zone between the Palearctic and Oriental biogeographic realms, the western Himalayas host unique assemblages of pollinator species adapted to various altitudinal gradients, from subtropical foothills to alpine meadows exceeding 4,000 metres in elevation. Their economic importance cannot be overstated. The region supports extensive pollinator-dependent agriculture, including fruit crops like apples, apricots and cherries, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables and numerous medicinal and aromatic plants. Research indicates that over 70 per cent of major crops in the Himalayan states benefit from animal pollination, with some showing complete dependence on specific pollinators. For instance, apple production in Himachal Pradesh relies heavily on native Apis cerana and Bombus species, with cross-pollination increasing fruit set by 40-60 per cent compared to wind or self-pollination. Their services also support forest product yields, including those of medicinal plants and timber, create ecotourism potential through butterfly tours and nature experiences, and provide invaluable ecosystem services that underpin regional economies. Yet, our understanding of Himalayan pollinator communities remains incomplete. This knowledge deficit becomes particularly concerning given accelerating environmental changes, global warming, habitat fragmentation and shifting land-use patterns.

For instance, high-altitude solitary bees demonstrate unique adaptations to alpine conditions but lack comprehensive population assessments. Specialised butterfly species inhabiting elevations above 3,500 metres show particular vulnerability to climate shifts. Nocturnal pollination systems involving moth species remain virtually undocumented in mountain ecosystems. Hoverfly populations, known to provide valuable pollination services at lower elevations, have not been systematically studied in high mountain environments. Alpine meadows and scree slopes likely harbour specialised plant-pollinator relationships that could provide critical insights into ecosystem resilience.

Five key areas demand immediate scientific attention. Comprehensive taxonomic surveys are needed across understudied high-altitude habitats, including glacial margins and alpine deserts.

Detailed phenological studies must track how climate change is altering the synchronisation between pollinator activity and plant flowering periods. Research should focus on specialised pollination systems that may be vulnerable to environmental changes. Scientists need to investigate vertical migration patterns as species potentially shift their ranges in response to warming temperatures. Attention should be paid to pollinators associated with rapidly changing cryosphere environments, as these may represent some of the most threatened species. Emerging reports indicate that many pollinator species are establishing populations at higher elevations than previously recorded, underscoring the dynamic nature of these communities and the need for updated research.

Priorities should include expanding taxonomic and ecological research on high-altitude species, DNA barcoding, developing climate-resilient conservation strategies, strengthening policies protecting pollinators and their habitats, implementing landscape-scale habitat restoration, and building regional capacity for pollinator monitoring and conservation. Research should also focus on determining thermal tolerance limits of key pollinators, understanding phenological tracking capabilities, assessing adaptive potential to rapid changes, examining interactions between climate and other stressors, and developing predictive models of future distributions. The government should develop national pollinator protection strategies, create state-level implementation plans, foster cross-border collaboration for migratory species, allocating dedicated research funding and establishing monitoring frameworks. The policy measures should be evidence-based, drawing on scientific research and traditional ecological knowledge, and designed for long-term sustainability.

(V P Uniyal is former scientist-G at Wildlife Institute of India. He serves as director of the Centre for Sustainable Ecology and Biodiversity Research at Graphic Era University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand)

This column was originally published as part of the cover story A new buzz in the June 1-15, 2025 print edition of Down To Earth