Global bias in pollinator studies: a matter of generalization,
accessibility, policies, and money
Abstract
Pollinators are unquestionably declining, however, current knowledge on
the rate of decline is biased in two aspects which are fragmented
(West-dominated) geographic scope and narrow (bee-dominated) taxonomic
focus of studies. This bias has resulted in an unfortunate imbalance,
whereby the most biologically diverse regions are less furnished with
diversified data, and diverse pollinator groups are out of scope. We
suggest evaluation of four major drivers of this bias – (i) concept
generalization, (ii) data accessibility, (iii) scattered environmental
regulations, and (iv) shifted infrastructure and funding resources. We
argue that the complex interplay between these drivers has created a
bias in knowledge that needs addressing. Using search engines in
different languages and closer cooperation between developed and
developing countries may help to overcome geographic bias in pollinator
studies. The direction of research toward pollinator diversity and
involvement of scientists in environmental policies can help to reach
knowledge balance on the topic.