What the study found
The study estimates that bees may include 24,705-26,164 species worldwide, which the authors describe as an 18-25% increase over currently recognized richness. The estimates also suggest that many bee species remain undescribed, especially 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 could help improve understanding of lesser-known groups and use existing occurrence datasets to estimate species richness on global scales.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a statistical approach to estimate lower bounds of bee species richness at global, continental, and country levels. They also examined how taxonomic gaps, meaning differences between described and estimated diversity, 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 framework produced global and regional richness estimates and identified high levels of undescribed biodiversity in several regions. They found that taxonomic gaps were correlated with GDPc, observed species richness, number of occurrence records, and database completeness.
What to keep in mind
The abstract presents statistical lower-bound estimates rather than direct counts of all bee species. It also does not provide detailed limitations beyond noting that rigorous estimates have been lacking and that the analysis depends on available occurrence data.
Key points
- Estimated global bee richness: 24,705-26,164 species.
- The estimate is described as an 18-25% increase over current recognized richness.
- The authors estimate at least 32-45 years of taxonomic research are represented.
- Undescribed biodiversity appears especially high in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Taxonomic gaps were correlated with GDPc, observed richness, occurrence records, and database completeness.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Global bee species richness is estimated at 24,705-26,164 species
- 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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