Wild Bee Diversity Prediction Tool

About the Maps

The maps above display predictions of:  (1) Richness: the number of wild bee species, (2) Conditions: trends in landscape conditions for bees, and (3) Combined: this map integrates both the richness and landscape conditions, and you can click a location for recommended actions. These predictions are based on ecological indicators that use birds and land cover data from 33 states in the central and eastern U.S.

These maps depict predictions, not actual measurements nor estimates based on field surveys of bees or habitats.  You can think of these predictions as providing evidence-based “best guesses” that can help to guide conservation in the absence of bee data.  Please consult with regional or local experts and/or use local data sources whenever possible.  We encourage you to support bee monitoring programs and the important work of experts who study and conserve bees.

In addition, species richness (the number of wild bee species) does not necessarily reflect the conservation value of a location for wild bees.  An area with low richness, for example, may be essential for a specialized, threatened, or endemic bee species, whereas an area with high richness may contain common or abundant species of lower conservation concern.

Contact wildbeemaps@cornell.edu if you wish access to the map data.

Predicted Wild Bee Richness Map

This map shows the predicted number of wild bee species (bee richness) in the eastern and central U.S.  In areas with high predicted* bee richness, extra care should be taken to protect habitats and resources used by bees, reduce threats like pesticides, and/or engage others in bee conservation activities. Keep in mind that areas predicted to have low bee richness may support species of conservation concern and may have potential for habitat restoration or other measures to support bees.
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Predicted Trends in Landscape Conditions for Bees Map

This map shows the predicted changes in landscape conditions for wild bees between 2007-2021. Areas that predict improvements may be on the right track for bee conservation, whereas those predicting that conditions have worsened may require action such as restoration to prevent further deterioration.
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Combined Map

This map depicts the combination of (a) predicted bee richness and (b) predicted change in landscape conditions for bees between 2007-2021.  By visualizing these two dimensions together, one can get a sense for how conditions may be changing across locations that are relatively more or less important for wild bees.  For example, areas predicted to have high richness but worsening conditions require urgent action to conserve bees. Zoom in and click on an area for a summary and conservation recommendations.
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Recommended Actions

Protect and Enhance Wild Bee Habitats

Our research predicts areas in the eastern and central U.S. where conservation and land management practices can be most beneficial for wild bees. The following fact sheets and guides can help promote a better understanding of wild bees, the invaluable services they provide, and their unique needs for help to thrive in places in and around homes, farms, golf courses, parks, and public lands.
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Use Caution With Pesticides

Wild bee habitats are frequently contaminated with weed and pest-killing substances like pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides used around homes and gardens, on farms, and in other open spaces. Best practices can prevent indirect harm to wild bees from these substances.
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Use Caution When Introducing Non-native Bees

Honeybees are the source of almost all honey used in food and beverages but are not a native bee species in the United States.  There is growing evidence that honeybees can harm native and wild bees.
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Participate in Bee Monitoring

As described elsewhere in this site, we currently lack sufficient information on wild bees to understand the status of their populations, the cause of declines, and how best to conserve them. Fortunately, there are groups developing and promoting standardized protocols to monitor bees; standardized protocols provide the highest quality and most valuable information to scientists and managers.
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Be an Advocate for Wild Bee Conservation

Efforts to reverse declines in wild bee populations extend beyond our own garden or farm and require engagement and investment from researchers, educators, community leaders, and policymakers. The Wild Bee Richness Prediction Tool was designed to support efforts like those described below to advocate for wild bee conservation in communities and beyond.
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