Pollinators: Little Helpers, Big Results

Pollinators are little helpers!

There has been a lot of buzz around the importance of bees and their decline in population. This important news is just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to learn about the world of pollinators! A wide variety of animals and insects, from bats to birds to bees to butterflies, help plants reproduce, and create fruit, nuts, and seeds.;

In this exhibit, learn about the diversity of pollinators and how all contribute to our own quality of life by helping to provide good food, gorgeous surroundings, medicines -- even clothing! Who knew a little insect or bat could do all that!

Pollinators are on the decline, but YOU can help! Learn about the conservation success of the lesser long-nosed bat and the international teamwork that saved this bat from extinction. Then, explore other species and how they can be saved.

What is a Pollinator?

A pollinator is a living thing that helps flowering plants spread pollen. When pollinators eat flower nectar, pollen sticks to their bodies and is spread from flower to flower. Pollen is a building block for seeds, nuts, and fruits.

Who are Pollinators?

Animals such as birds and bats are pollinators. Insects such as bees, ants, and butterflies are pollinators. Some lizards are pollinators. Even mosquitoes and flies are pollinators!

Why are they so important to nature?

Pollinators help make food (or are food) for the entire food web. Different kinds of pollinators visit different kinds of flowers. A wide variety of pollinators is important in order to pollinate a wide variety of plants. Pollinators help support ecosystems.

Why are they so important to us?

Pollinators help make food, medicines, clothing, and more. Their value to the world's food production is over $200 billion per year. By 2025, there will be about 8 billion people on Earth. Pollinators will be even more important!