What the study found
The study estimates that there are 24,705-26,164 bee species globally, which the authors describe as an 18-25% increase over currently known diversity. It also estimates particularly high undescribed bee biodiversity in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say robust species richness estimates are important for conservation prioritisation, understanding ecosystem resilience, and studying evolutionary processes. They conclude that their statistical framework can help improve understanding of lesser-known groups and mobilise existing occurrence data to estimate species richness at global scales.
What the researchers tested
The researchers statistically estimated lower bounds of bee species richness at global, continental, and country levels. They also examined how taxonomic gaps relate to gross domestic product per capita (GDPc), observed species richness, number of occurrence records, and completeness of occurrence databases.
What worked and what didn't
Their statistical estimates produced a global range of 24,705-26,164 bee species. They found that taxonomic gaps were correlated with GDPc, observed species richness, number of occurrence records, and completeness of occurrence databases.
What to keep in mind
The abstract presents lower-bound estimates, not a complete species count. It also does not describe specific limitations beyond noting that rigorous estimates remain elusive even for well-studied groups and regions.
Key points
- Estimated global bee species richness: 24,705-26,164 species.
- The estimate represents an 18-25% increase over currently known diversity.
- Undescribed bee diversity is estimated to be especially high in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Taxonomic gaps were correlated with GDP per capita, observed species richness, occurrence records, and database completeness.
- The authors present an R-package framework for estimating species richness from occurrence data.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Global bee species richness estimated at 24,705-26,164
- Authors:
- James B. Dorey, Amy‐Marie Gilpin, Nikolas P. Johnston, Damien Esquerré, Alice C. Hughes, John S. Ascher, Michael C. Orr
- Institutions:
- Flinders University, Institute of Zoology, National University of Singapore, Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, The University of Melbourne, University of Hohenheim, University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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