Living dry land: Birds and insect pollinators of rainfed crops

On January 24 and 25, we were lucky enough to travel to the town of Higueruela (Albacete), to be able to attend the training course LIVE DRY LAND, BIRDS AND POLLINATING INSECTS OF RAINFED CROPS, organized by SEO/BirdLife. A project where rainfed agriculture, rural sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, providing added value to the products that adhere to this project, through the increase of biodiversity and climate resilience.

Biodiversity as an ally of rain-fed agriculture

During the first day, which was theoretical in its entirety, we were able to make a first approach to the methodology and tools used by the different people, entities and technical personnel working on the project. We learned and discussed not only the importance of steppe birds, but also the fundamental role played by insect pollinators in our crops. And we're not just talking about honey bees that are gregarious and live in community (5%), but we're talking about solitary bees and pollinating insects (95%). Without a doubt the big forgotten ones.

Species such as those of the genus Andrena (Andrena agilissima and Andrena flavipes), genus Osmia (Osmia cornuta, Osmia bicornis and Osmia caerulescens) or genus Bombus (Bombus terrestris), are key to protecting the biodiversity of our fields. It is our duty to promote, conserve and learn how we can help our fauna, regardless of the family to which they belong.

Nor can we forget about dipterans, hoverflies or butterflies, although the latter are far fewer species than those mentioned above and are highly sought after, especially by predators, surely one of the causes may be related to their size and striking colors.

The challenge of protecting small solitary species in our environment

Let's hope that this is only the beginning of greater global awareness of the importance of these wildlife groups, and that these “bugs” will not be relegated to oblivion. Environmental Consultants, Public Administration, non-profit organizations, volunteers,... it is up to us to be the living voice of small beings, where difficulties for their survival are increasingly at the limit. And as the saying goes,”better to prevent, than not to be able to cure when it's too late.”

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