Edges of natural vegetation to increase the diversity of wild bees in agricultural field margins

Abstract: The transformation of natural ecosystems by the intensification of agriculture has negative effects on bee communities. “Operation Pollinator” aims to increase field diversity to enhance wild bee habitats. The assays were carried out during 2011 and 2012 in southern Spain. Edges of natural vegetation were created along margins of intensively managed vegetable fields. Edges of herbaceous and shrubby plants produced an increase in the number of most of the wild bee taxa. Revegetated edges had an impact in the structure of the bee community, increasing the number of taxa and diversity.