The bees on the rooftop of Kanavaranta 1 are excellent research assistants in an international biodiversity study
For several summers, shelter bees of the HumbleBee Housing Project have been living on the rooftop of the building, exploring the nature nearby and producing honey. Samples of this honey have been collected during the seasons and sent for detailed examination.
The ongoing research is based on the modern environmental DNA analysis (eDNA). This method of biomonitoring pollinators has been used by the French research organization Apilab for ten years now to study e.g. biodiversity and air quality. The research is conducted by collecting samples from an international network of research beehives that are maintained by Apilab’s partner companies – such as the HumbleBee Housing Project in Finland.
Next, Apilab’s founder Dr Benjamin Poirot (PhD) and Biodiversity Researcher Claire Gay (PhD) share some details of the examination and its results – and reveal how the samples of Kanavaranta 1 have been exceptional in an international comparison.
Environmental DNA research – what is it and why do bees make excellent research assistants?
The rapidly developing eDNA research is based on the analysis of DNA traces spread by organisms into their environment. The method has proven to be valuable in studying biodiversity of nature.
Apilab uses eDNA analysis to perform bee-assisted biomonitoring of the environment by analyzing honey samples taken from the beehives. Honeybees have a versatile generalist diet, so their honey provides researchers with a good overall view of the plants in the vicinity of the beehives. Consequently, the researchers are able to draw conclusions of the plant diversity and pollinator-friendliness of the surrounding environment.
Thus, Apilab’s growing research material collects valuable information about the conditions of the beehives’ surroundings. Moreover, it enables comparison of the environment between different countries and climatic conditions.
Differences in biodiversity between climate types
International biodiversity research has shown clear differences between different climate types.
It has been found, for example, that in the maritime climates of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the number of different plant species is typically higher than in the research sites located in the continental climate.
However, the results of sites in a maritime climate seem to have more variation between years, while the biodiversity of continental sites has typically been quite stable.
The floral communities have also proven to be more diverse in continental landscapes.
So, there are more plant species in maritime climates, but the characteristics of flora – such as shapes – are more diverse in continental climate conditions.
The results of Kanavaranta 1 – positive signals from our local environment
Honey samples from Kanavaranta 1 have been collected for a few years now. The bees visit plants within a radius of about 2 km around the hive, so the analysis provides valuable insight of the state of biodiversity in maritime downtown Helsinki.
The samples evaluated by Apilab have indeed given positive results in several key metrics.
Next, a brief summary of the results from the year -23:
- Specific richness is 27 (the number of perceived flower species).
The range in continental Europe is typically 10.4–28.2, so Kanavaranta’s result is among the best. - Taxonomic richness is 51 (a more comprehensive concept than species classification, including also e.g. genetic factors).
The range in continental Europe is 15.8–50.2, so Kanavaranta represents the top of Europe. - 1-Hill Index is 0.41 (reflects the diversity of species).
The continental Europe’s range being 0.2–0.46, Kanavaranta’s result is at a good level.
Other interesting details about the flora in the vicinity of Kanavaranta 1:
- Dominant morphology is rotate – the most common form is round
- Dominant floral color is yellow
- Dominant inflorescence is panicle
- Dominant life cycle is perennial
- No endangered species were found in the samples
Poirot concludes that Helsinki’s results are at the top level in comparison to other research locations in Europe and North America. Thus, they are of special interest to the researchers of Apilab. That’s why Poirot is also planning to visit Helsinki to investigate the local environment and the conditions on the spot.
Shared information helps cities and companies develop the diversity of their surroundings
A vital part of the research is to increase knowledge around the topic. That’s why Apilab openly shares the gathered environmental data with the cities and companies involved as well as with other researchers.
Based on the key findings of sample analysis, the researchers also offer participants individual recommendations to support their green planning – aiming to have a positive impact on the biodiversity of surroundings of the research sites.
Our partners in the project: