New Curtin-led analysis has revealed Marri bushes are important to the survival of greater than 80 species of native bee in Western Australia’s South West area, which is among the world’s most biologically wealthy however threatened biodiversity hotspots.
Lead writer Dr Package Prendergast, Adjunct Analysis Fellow from the Curtin Faculty of Molecular and Life Sciences, stated the research recognized the Marri (Corymbia calophylla), which is native to the South West and was named a ‘close to threatened’ species in 2019, as a vital provider of meals for native bees and supporter of the area’s ecosystem.
“The findings that these bushes assist not less than 81 completely different species of foraging bee within the South West spotlight their extraordinary function within the survival of native bee populations, notably throughout late summer time when most different crops have stopped flowering,” Dr Prendergast stated.
“Native bees in WA’s South West are plentiful and extremely numerous, and lots of rely closely on native crops just like the Marri for meals.
“Marri bushes present very important nectar and pollen, particularly at a time when few different crops are in bloom. For a lot of bee species, Marri is usually the one meals supply accessible right now of yr.
“Moreover, this tree not solely offers meals sources for native bees, but additionally nesting assets, with species noticed nesting in small holes and among the many roots, and its copious iconic purple sap is utilized by Megachilidae bees to seal off their nests.”
Dr Prendergast stated the analysis offers new proof supporting the concept sure species, just like the Marri tree, function ‘keystone species’ or ‘magnet species’, which play an particularly essential function in sustaining biodiversity.
“The Marri serves as a significant useful resource for native bees, performing as a lifeline throughout important durations when different crops have dried up,” Dr Prendergast stated.
“The findings level to an pressing want to guard Marri bushes from threats akin to logging, mining, fireplace occasions, illness, agriculture and concrete and industrial growth, as a result of with out this tree, many native bee species would wrestle to outlive.”
The research additionally revealed Marri bushes are sometimes the principle, or solely, plant species visited by these bees year-round, making them indispensable within the native ecosystem, which underlines the significance of conserving this species, not only for bees, however for the well being of the broader panorama.
The analysis was funded by the Forrest Analysis Basis, Zanthorrea Nursery, and the Division of Biodiversity, Conservation and Sights.
The complete research, titled ‘Corymbia calophylla (Marri): A Main Useful resource for Native Bees within the Southwest Western Australian Biodiversity Hotspot‘ can be printed within the journal Pacific Conservation Biology.