Pollinator research provides conservation management implications in North Dakota

Abstract

Pollinator declines have driven research and increased monitoring efforts. Within North Dakota, USA, our research group initiated research in 2015 on pollinator conservation and management. We synthesized results across five projects, producing 12 publications and providing baseline data on pollinator diversity and rangeland management to improve conservation efforts while land-sharing with livestock. We detected 76 species of butterflies and ∼318 bee species. Butterfly diversity and relative abundance were driven by floral resources and less exotic plant invasions, with a positive relationship between flowers and pollinators. Invasive forbs were visited by pollinators, primarily honey bees. We also found management influenced vegetation characteristics within pastures, but landscape context was important for determining the specific outcome. Although pollinator abundance did not distinctly respond to management, diversity was affected by regime and grazer type. Using fire and grazing may benefit flowers to support pollinators. Our research will help guide rangeland management decisions that promote land sharing and benefit pollinator conservation efforts. Core Ideas We synthesized pollinator data from research conducted over six years in North Dakota. Pollinator diversity correlated with more forb diversity and less invasive plant species cover. Pollinator diversity, not abundance, has variable responses to management regime and grazer type. Fire and grazing may benefit vegetation communities to conserve pollinators in some landscapes.