Pollinators in Rwanda are poorly studied despite contributing over USD 100 million annually to crop production (Yocgo et al., 2023). 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. Pesticide application was the primary threat, correlating with low pollinator abundance. Invasive species (Lantana camara, Eucalyptus spp.) were widespread. Pollinator presence varied with crop flowering stages. Reducing pesticide pressure and strengthening sustainable pest management are essential for pollinator conservation and agricultural resilience.
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(2021). Vulnerability analysis of food production and nutrient consumption on pollinators decline: The Case of Smallholder Farm Households in Huye District in Southern Rwanda. In 17th GLOBELICS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “Innovation Systems and Sustainable Development: New Strategies for Growth, Social Welfare and Environmental Sustainability (p. 28). https://hal.science/hal-04842083/document","identifier":"https://hal.science/hal-04842083/document","citationProvidedBySource":false},{"text":"Ndayiragije, P. S. (2021). Assessment of Aboveground Insects Associated Within Farm Fields of Musanze District in Rwanda: Abundance and Diversity.","citationProvidedBySource":false},{"text":"Yocgo, R. E. E., Hitimana, I., Hakizimana, M., & Birachi, E. A. (2023). Insect pollinators can unlock an annual monetary value of more than US $100 million from crop production in Rwanda. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 20108. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46936-w","identifier":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46936-w","citationProvidedBySource":false},{"text":"Bibby, C., Jones, M., & Marsden, S. (1998). Expedition Field Techniques: Bird Surveys (Vol. 44). The Institute of British Geographers, Royal Geographical Society. www.birdlife.net","citationProvidedBySource":false},{"text":"Buckland, S., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., & Laake, J. (1993). Distance Sampling: Estimating Abundance of Biological Populations. Chapman and Hall, London. (p. 440)","citationProvidedBySource":false},{"text":"Ralph, C. J., Droege, S., & Sauer, J. R. (1995). Managing and Monitoring Birds Using Point Counts: Standards and Applications. Workshop on Monitoring Bird Population Trends by Point Counts, 161–169.","citationProvidedBySource":false}],"curatorialUnits":[],"taxonomicCoverages":[{"description":"Pollinator birds identified to the species level","coverages":[{"scientificName":"Chalcomitra senegalensis","rank":{"verbatim":"species","interpreted":"SPECIES"}},{"scientificName":"Cinnyris erythrocercus","rank":{"verbatim":"species","interpreted":"SPECIES"}},{"scientificName":"Cinnyris venustus","rank":{"verbatim":"species","interpreted":"SPECIES"}},{"scientificName":"Cyanomitra verticalis","rank":{"verbatim":"species","interpreted":"SPECIES"}},{"scientificName":"Nectarinia kilimensis","rank":{"verbatim":"species","interpreted":"SPECIES"}}]}],"geographicCoverages":[{"description":"The study was conducted across multiple regions of Rwanda, including the Eastern Province (Kayonza and Bugesera districts), the Southern Province (Muhanga District), the City of Kigali (Gasabo District), and the Northern Province (Gicumbi District).","boundingBox":{"minLatitude":-2.691,"maxLatitude":-1.247,"minLongitude":29.07,"maxLongitude":30.97,"globalCoverage":false}}],"temporalCoverages":[{"@type":"range","start":"2025-11-26T00:00:00.000+00:00","end":"2025-12-06T00:00:00.000+00:00"}],"keywordCollections":[{"thesaurus":"GBIF Dataset Type Vocabulary: http://rs.gbif.org/vocabulary/gbif/dataset_type_2015-07-10.xml","keywords":["Threats","Policy response","Bird pollinators","Agroecosystems","pollinator conservation"]}],"project":{"title":"Bird pollinator populations in Agroecosystems of Rwanda: a baseline perspective for pollinator conservation","identifier":"70108","contacts":[{"type":"REVIEWER","primary":false,"userId":["https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-dusabimana-8992692a/"],"firstName":"Jean Claude","lastName":"DUSABIMANA","position":[],"email":[],"phone":[],"homepage":[],"address":[]},{"type":"AUTHOR","primary":false,"userId":["https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4848-0416"],"firstName":"Elie","lastName":"SINAYITUTSE","position":[],"email":[],"phone":[],"homepage":[],"address":[]}],"funding":"The project (ID: 70108) was supported by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation","awards":[],"studyAreaDescription":"This dataset presents data from the first phase of a nationwide pollinator assessment conducted across five strategically selected sites in Rwanda. The study covered one site in each of five districts representing distinct agroecological zones: Kayonza District (Kabarondo Sector) and Bugesera District (Gashora Sector) in the Eastern Province; Muhanga District (Rongi Sector) in the Southern Province; Gicumbi District (Byumba Sector) in the Northern Province; and Gasabo District (Kinyinya Sector) in the City of Kigali. These sites were purposively selected due to their significant contribution to national agricultural production and their contrasting climatic and topographic conditions, which together provide a representative overview of Rwanda’s farming systems.\nKayonza and Bugesera districts are located in the Eastern Province, characterized by relatively low elevations (approximately 1,200–1,500 m above sea level) and semi-arid to sub-humid climatic conditions. Annual rainfall in these areas is generally lower than the national average, typically ranging between 800 and 1,000 mm, with pronounced dry seasons. Agriculture in these districts is dominated by mixed cropping systems and irrigated farming, making them particularly relevant for assessing pollinator dynamics under water-limited and pesticide-intensive conditions.\nMuhanga District, situated in the Southern Province, lies within Rwanda’s central plateau at moderate elevations (approximately 1,700–2,200 m). The area experiences sub-humid climatic conditions, with annual rainfall commonly ranging between 1,200 and 1,400 mm. Farming systems in Muhanga are diverse and include mixed crops, horticulture, and agroforestry practices, providing an important contrast to the drier eastern landscapes.\n\nGicumbi District in the Northern Province is characterized by higher elevations (approximately 1,800–2,200 m) and a cooler, wetter climate, with annual rainfall often exceeding 1,300 mm. The district supports intensive smallholder agriculture, including perennial crops and mixed farming systems, and represents highland agroecosystems where climatic conditions and land-use patterns differ markedly from lowland regions.\nGasabo District (Kinyinya Sector), located in the City of Kigali, occupies an intermediate elevation range (approximately 1,500–1,800 m) and experiences moderate rainfall of around 1,000–1,200 mm annually. The area reflects a peri-urban agricultural landscape, where farming activities coexist with urban expansion, offering insights into pollinator dynamics in human-dominated environments.","designDescription":"The study was designed as a stratified, observational field survey to document pollinating bird diversity, distribution, and associated environmental conditions across representative agroecosystems in Rwanda. The overall project is structured to be implemented in three main phases, each aligned with different flowering seasons, in order to capture seasonal variation in pollinator activity and crop–plant–pollinator interactions.\nThe first phase, which forms the basis of this dataset, targeted five purposively selected sites across different districts and provinces, chosen to represent variation in climate, elevation, land use, and agricultural practices. Subsequent phases are intended to expand temporal coverage and strengthen understanding of seasonal dynamics in pollination services.\nWithin each site, surveys were conducted using a standardized point count sampling design along transects of approximately 1 km. Fixed observation points helped observe and record pollinating birds within a 50 m radius during 10-minute observation periods between 06:00 and 12:00 hours. This consistent sampling effort enables comparability across sites and seasons.\nThe study design is grounded in the premise that improved empirical evidence on pollinator diversity, seasonal dynamics, and threats is essential for informing policy response, conservation advocacy, and sustainable agricultural strategies.","relatedProjects":[],"abstract":"Pollinators are essential for sustaining agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, yet their diversity, distribution, and ecological roles remain poorly documented in Rwanda. This project aims to address critical knowledge gaps by generating baseline data on pollinating birds across diverse agroecosystems and flowering seasons. Standardized field surveys were conducted using fixed-radius point counts along transects to document species presence and abundance, while concurrently recording land-use characteristics, crop types, flowering stages, and potential threats such as pesticide application, invasive species, and habitat condition.\n\nThe project documented five pollinating bird species, with the Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) being the most frequently observed and widely distributed across surveyed landscapes. Pesticide use emerged as the dominant threat, with lower pollinator abundance and richness recorded in areas of intensive application. The findings highlight the urgent need to integrate pollinator conservation into agricultural management through reduced pesticide use and the promotion of pollinator-friendly practices. By establishing an ecological baseline, this project provides critical evidence to support future research, habitat restoration, awareness-raising, and policy interventions aimed at sustaining pollination services and strengthening agricultural resilience in Rwanda."},"samplingDescription":{"studyExtent":"The study was conducted across five districts in Rwanda: Kayonza (Kabarondo sector, Cyinzovu cell, Rwakigeli village), Bugesera (Gashora sector, Biryogo cell, Rugunga village), Gasabo (Kinyinya sector, Murama cell, Musenyi village), Gicumbi (Byumba sector, Kibali cell, Rugarama village), and Muhanga (Rongi sector, Ruhango cell, Muyebe village). These sites were selected to represent variation in agroecological conditions, elevation, and agricultural practices across different provinces of Rwanda.","sampling":"Pollinating birds were sampled using standardized point count methods along 1 km transects (Buckland et al., 1993) at each site. Fixed observation points were established along transects, and birds were recorded within a 50 m radius during 10-minute observation periods. A 3-minute settling period preceded each count to allow the environment to stabilize after observer arrival (Bibby et al., 1998). Surveys were conducted during morning hours (Between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.) when pollinator activity is highest, ensuring consistent sampling effort across all sites and enabling comparability of abundance and diversity metrics.","qualityControl":"Rigorous quality control measures were implemented to ensure data accuracy and reliability, following established protocols for avian point count surveys (Ralph et al., 1995). Only birds observed interacting with crops or flowering plants were recorded to capture pollination services. Heard species were not included in the counts. Double-counting was prevented by carefully tracking individual birds; the same species was recorded multiple times only when different individuals could be distinguished by age class, sex, or abundance, following conservative counting methods where observers avoid tallying the same individual more than once by noting location and movement patterns (Ralph et al., 1995). Birds observed flying over or through the sampling area without engaging with vegetation were excluded from counts to maintain focus on pollination-relevant observations, adhering to standardized point count protocols where observers record birds from a fixed position for a defined period to ensure comparability across sites and seasons (Ralph et al., 1995)","methodSteps":["The project followed a systematic workflow to ensure data quality and GBIF compliance. Initial steps involved developing data collection materials by consulting existing GBIF datasets to identify relevant fields and standards, followed by designing custom data sheets aligned with Darwin Core terminology. These data sheets were deployed in KoboToolbox to enable easy digital data capture in the field. Prior to fieldwork, the survey team received comprehensive training on standardized data collection methodologies, species identification, and proper use of digital tools, and underwent a field trial practice. Following data collection, extensive data cleaning was conducted to align records with GBIF dataset standards, including taxonomic verification, coordinate validation, and formatting consistency checks. The final step involved preparing and publishing the cleaned dataset to GBIF, making it accessible for biodiversity research and conservation planning."]},"countryCoverage":[],"collections":[],"dataDescriptions":[],"dataLanguage":"eng","purpose":"This dataset provides baseline information on the diversity and distribution of pollinating birds across agroecosystems in Rwanda, where pollinator data remain limited despite their importance for agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience. Standardized point count surveys were conducted along 1 km transects to record avian pollinators, alongside contextual observations on land use, crop types, flowering stages, invasive species, and potential threats.The dataset documents five pollinator bird species: Cinnyris venustus, Chalcomitra senegalensis, Cinnyris erythrocercus, Cyanomitra verticalis, and Nectarinia kilimensis. The Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) was identified as the most frequently recorded across all surveyed areas, suggesting its high adaptability to different landscapes. Preliminary findings suggest that pesticide use is the primary threat affecting pollinator abundance and richness. This dataset establishes an essential ecological baseline to support future research, conservation planning, and sustainable agricultural management in Rwanda.
","introduction":"Pollinators play a critical role in sustaining agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, yet their diversity, distribution, and ecological roles remain poorly documented in Rwanda. Existing research has focused primarily on honeybees, with comparatively little attention given to other pollinator groups such as butterflies, beetles, moths, and pollinating birds. As a result, there is a major lack of comprehensive baseline data needed to inform effective conservation planning and sustainable agricultural management across the country Recent studies underscore both the importance and vulnerability of pollinators in Rwanda. Pollinators are estimated to contribute more than USD 100 million annually to national crop production, highlighting their significant economic value (Yocgo et al. 2023). However, this value remains underappreciated due to limited ecological and spatial data. Pollinator populations are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, yet the specific impacts of these pressures across Rwanda’s agroecosystems are not well understood. Research conducted in Musanze District (Ndayiragije 2021) and Huye District (Uwingabire et al. 2021) has provided localized insights, but such studies are spatially restricted and insufficient to guide nationwide conservation or policy responses.In addition to data gaps, pollinator conservation is not yet well integrated into agricultural and environmental policies, and public awareness of pollinator importance remains low. Many farming landscapes lack pollinator-friendly habitats, and farmers often have limited guidance on conservation-compatible practices, increasing the risk of declining pollination services and food insecurity, particularly for smallholder farmers This dataset was generated as part of a broader project designed to address these gaps by establishing baseline data on pollinator diversity, distribution, and threats across multiple agroecosystems in Rwanda. The data support analyses of pollinator occurrence patterns in relation to land use, crop types, and management practices, and can be used to inform future research, habitat restoration, awareness-raising initiatives, and policy development. By making these data openly available through GBIF, the dataset contributes to national and global efforts to understand pollinator decline and to promote evidence-based strategies for sustaining pollination services and agricultural resilience.
","gettingStarted":"This dataset follows the GBIF Sampling Event data model and documents pollinating bird observations across multiple agroecosystems in Rwanda. It consists of a Sampling Event core and an associated Occurrence extension, reflecting the hierarchical field sampling design.The Sampling Event core includes one record per point count station surveyed along 1 km transects, with each event identified by a unique eventID. Event-level information includes sampling date, protocol, geographic location, eventRemarks and other necessary information based on the Sampling Event Datasets. The Occurrence extension contains species-level records linked to the core via eventID. Each record represents a single pollinating bird species detected during a sampling event and includes a unique occurrenceID, taxonomic identification, and individual counts. Multiple occurrence records may be associated with a single sampling event, reflecting the detection of multiple species at the same point station.Data were collected using standardized fixed-radius (50 m), 10-minute point counts conducted between 06:00 and 12:00 hours (Buckland et al., 1993). All files are provided in Darwin Core–compliant formats and can be analyzed using standard biodiversity data tools and software, including spreadsheet applications, R, and GIS platforms, without the need for specialized software.
","acknowledgements":"We gratefully acknowledge the JRS Biodiversity Foundation for their generous financial support, which enabled the implementation of this study. We thank the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) for providing the recommendation letter that facilitated the successful execution of this work. We extend our sincere appreciation to David IRADUKUNDA and Lambert NDIKUMANA for their valuable contributions to field data collection. We further acknowledge the support of local administrative authorities and community members for their guidance and for granting access to their farms and study sites.
","pubDate":"2026-07-22T00:00:00.000+00:00","maintenanceUpdateFrequency":"AS_NEEDED","maintenanceDescription":"The resource can be updated based on new information about the species under study and habitat details as required, and according to future study periods.","license":"http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/legalcode","dwca":{"coreType":"http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/Event","extensions":["http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/Occurrence"],"modified":"2026-07-30T09:49:41.886+00:00"},"approximateCounts":{"occurrenceCount":143}}