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Recent introduction of an allodapine bee into Fiji: a new model system for understanding biological invasions by pollinators

Groom, S.V. and Tuiwawa, Marika and Stevens, M.I. and Schwarz, M.P. (2014) Recent introduction of an allodapine bee into Fiji: a new model system for understanding biological invasions by pollinators. Insect Science, NA . NA. ISSN 1672-9609

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Abstract

Morphology-based studies have suggested a very depauperate bee fauna for islands in the South West Pacific, and recent genetic studies since have indicated an even smaller endemic fauna with many bee species in this region resulting from human-aided dispersal. These introduced species have the potential to both disrupt native pollinator suites as well as augment crop pollination, but for most species the timings of introduction are unknown. We examined the distribution and nesting biology of the long-tongued bee Braunsapis puangensis that was first recorded from Fiji in 2007. This bee has now become widespread in Fiji and both its local abundance and geographical range are likely to increase dramatically. The impacts of this invasion are potentially enormous for agriculture and native ecosystems, but they also provide opportunities for understanding how social insect species adapt to new environments. We outline the major issues associated with this recent invasion and argue that a long-term monitoring study is needed.

Item Type: Journal Article
Additional Information: Published online only
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > Institute of Applied Science
Depositing User: Generic Account
Date Deposited: 11 Sep 2014 23:43
Last Modified: 06 May 2016 02:44
URI: http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/7589
UNSPECIFIED

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