Genomic Study Reveals Near‑Total Collapse of Fiji’s Native Bees Since Colonial Era

A new genetic analysis of native bee populations in Fiji indicates that the islands have lost roughly 99% of their original pollinator numbers since European settlers first arrived, according to researchers who published the findings on Phys.org.

The study examined DNA from museum specimens collected during the 19th and early 20th centuries and compared them with samples taken from surviving colonies today. By tracing genetic diversity over time, scientists were able to estimate the scale of the decline, concluding that the effective population size of several endemic bee species has shrunk dramatically.

These results echo a broader, worldwide pattern of pollinator loss linked to habitat conversion, pesticide exposure, and climate pressures. Bees, butterflies and other insects play a vital role in fertilising both wild flora and crops, and their disappearance threatens food security and biodiversity alike. While many species have been studied in temperate regions, tropical island pollinators have remained largely undocumented until now.

Fiji’s unique ecosystems, which host a range of endemic plants, have been especially vulnerable to land‑use changes introduced during colonization, such as the expansion of sugarcane plantations and later tourism infrastructure. The reduction in native vegetation, combined with the introduction of non‑native bee species and modern agrochemicals, likely accelerated the genetic bottleneck observed in the study.

Conservationists say the findings underscore the urgency of protecting the remaining habitats and implementing pollinator‑friendly practices. Restoring native flowering plants, limiting pesticide applications, and fostering community‑led monitoring programs could help stabilize the few surviving populations.

The researchers plan to extend their genomic approach to other Pacific islands, hoping to map the hidden impacts of historical colonization on insect diversity across the region. Such data may inform regional policies aimed at safeguarding pollinators that underpin both ecological resilience and agricultural productivity.