Bird pollinator populations in Agroecosystems of Rwanda: a baseline perspective for pollinator conservation

Declining populations due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and invasive species threaten food security, yet baseline data on pollinator diversity and distribution remain limited. We used point counts to survey pollinating birds along 1 km transects (Buckland et al., 1993).

Observations were conducted within a 50 m radius during 10-minute intervals from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Data on crop types, weather, land use, pesticide application, invasive species, and habitat condition were recorded. Five sunbird species were documented, with Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) most frequently observed.