Honey bees: the queens of mass media, despite minority rule among insect pollinators

摘要: Pollination is a critical ecosystem function with high ecological and economic value. Conservation initiatives aimed at protecting diverse pollinator communities in natural agricultural habitats are essential, but the implementation success of such often depends on public support. Mass media play an important role building awareness around environmental issues, biased coverage can have damaging effects. Here, we present first analysis how Australian mainstream ‘pollinator’ paradigm. We gathered insect pollination related articles from major online newspapers published over period 9 years, performed qualitative content using deductive coding to record information species or groups discussed story. found 151 stories, demonstrate that within these, there was disproportionate focus introduced European honey bees as most important, only, relevant Australia. Only 15% stories mentioned native pollinators 17% non-bee pollinators. There potential trend report here for may be indicative larger overall simplification neglect biodiversity concepts media, both Australia globally. As science issues partly depend disseminating accurate beyond scholar network, it imperative broader effects inaccurate communication fully understood.