Urban Biodiversity Life Rafts: A Way to Conserve our Pollinators

This talk was presented at the April 17, 2021 (AY2020-21) Arizona NASA Space Grant Statewide Undergraduate Research Symposium. The event was virtually available via Zoom.

Submitted Abstract:

Insect pollinators (primarily bee and butterfly species) are vital to plant reproduction, nutrient cycling, and offer benefits to human societal well-being and enjoyment. In general, pollinator biodiversity has been decreasing over time globally due to factors such as agricultural intensification, urbanization, climate change, and other anthropological activities. The purpose of our study is to investigate the potential ability of the University of Arizona to serve as a pollinator “biodiversity hotspot” in an urban landscape. We used community science data from two sources, iNaturalist and the USA National Phenology Network, to analyze the relative presence, diversity, and change over time of pollinators on the university campus compared with the surrounding urban area. The results from this study will help us better understand pollinator activity, employ conservation methods, and potentially increase their frequency on campus through thoughtful management and restoration practices including a digital pollinator field guide.