Current status of bees in Fiji - geographical distribution and role in pollination of crop plants

ABSTRACT The rapid decline of bee populations over the last decade is thought to be driven by a combination of environmental change, habitat loss, invasive species, co-introduced disease, and chemical use in agriculture. Native bee species, managed honey bees (Apis mellifera), and other introduced bee species in Fiji provide great economic value by assisting in pollination of crops and also contribute to the maintenance of plant biodiversity in Fiji, but do not occur in the high numbers that they can elsewhere in the world. Recent scientific evidence suggests, however, that there is also a high risk of current and future decline in native bee numbers and potentially species in Fiji. Thus, for effective conservation of native bee fauna, knowledge of bee species richness, diversity, and possible threats is critical. In response to a recent flurry of publication activity on the Fijian bee fauna over the last decade, we review the current bee species found in Fiji, their geographical range, and their interactions with the environment. We also discuss the implications and importance of introduced bees and the reciprocal need for conservation methods to be put in place to ensure that the endemic Fijian bee species are not forced into extinction.