Abejorros del Ecuador

This research tackles a critical conservation crisis affecting keystone pollinators in the Neotropical Andes. Bumblebee populations are declining worldwide, with Ecuadorian species especially vulnerable to climate change and severe habitat fragmentation. A major barrier to conservation is the absence of a validated species checklist and reliable distribution data. To address this, we propose a three-step approach: First, we will update the Ecuadorian bumblebee checklist using new field surveys and historical museum records, essential due to the presence of cryptic species. Second, we will apply Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to map potential habitats, highlighting areas of high fragmentation and poor connectivity crucial for conservation planning. Third, we will conduct phylogenetic analyses with mitochondrial DNA to resolve evolutionary relationships and confirm species boundaries. This integrated, molecular-based framework will strengthen conservation strategies for these vital pollinators in one of the planet’s most biodiverse yet threatened regions.