25 / 33
Page 67
E u r o S c i C o n J o i n t E v e n t s o n
Plant Science, Tissue Engineering
and Parasitology
December 03-04 , 2018
Amsterdam, Nether l ands
International Journal of Applied Science - Research and Review
ISSN: 2394-9988
Plant Science | Tissue Engineering | Parasitology 2018
I
n Oct’ 2016, seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees became federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Endemic
Hylaeus
(yellow-faced bees) are pollinators which have coevolved with native plants and support native Hawaii
ecosystems functions since before humans arrived on the islands. Plants which had coevolved with these endemic Hawaiian
bees and depend on the bee for pollination are also endangered. The habitats which the bee and plants depend on are becoming
unsuitable due to erosion, pollution, development, and fragmentation.
Hylaeus anthracinus
were the only native yellow-faced bee
species found in significant numbers on Oahu during recent targeted surveys and during this study. Although once widespread, H.
anthracinus are now apparently restricted to small fragments of endangered, coastal habitat on Oahu. Immature H. anthracinus
were reared from egg to healthy adult in a controlled setting. Data gathered through nest dissections and immature rearing
facilitated the design of artificial nest sites. Artificial nest sites were developed, established and monitored weekly. Artificial
sites were successfully nested in by H. anthracinus and were tested as conservation tools.
Hylaeus
anthracinus
nesting and
foraging ecology observations were described as well as opportunities these tools may hold for additional pollinator conservation
management. Invasions by ants were quickly identified as a primary reason for the bees decline. The nests in artificial nest sites
were protected with a non-toxic, sticky barrier (Tanglefoot) that ants were unable to cross if applied correctly and reapplied often.
A citizen science project is being developed to spread awareness of this endangered native pollinator and enlist the help of the
Hawaiian community and visitors to Hawaii in conservation efforts.
Jrgraham@hawaii.eduPollinators in paradise: conservation of the
endangered Hawaiian yellow-faced bees
Jason R Graham
University of Hawaii, USA
Int J Appl Sci Res Rev 2018, Volume: 5
DOI: 10.21767/2394-9988-C2-006