Illicit crops and glyphosate: A potential risk to the Euglossini Community and biodiversity in Tumaco - Choco biogeographic ecoregion

Abstract

In Tumaco (Nariño-Colombia), the increase in coca cultivation and proposals like the national government (period 2018-2022) to fumigate with glyphosate for its eradication pose a risk to the euglossine bees. The limited information available on this tribe in Nariño presents an opportunity to document and protect them. The Euglossini community was identified and characterized in Maragricola-Tumaco, southwestern Colombia, within the province of Chocó biogeographic. Insect capture was conducted using bottle traps and attractants. Thirty euglossine males from three genera were recorded, with Euglossa hansoni, Exaerete frontalis, and Eulaema meriana representing the orchid bee community in this zone. Considering the importance of bees in ecosystem maintenance and the potential threat they face in the Colombian Pacific region, this report serves as a starting point for monitoring their populations. Government decisions regarding the management and eradication of illicit crops must also prioritize the protection of biodiversity within Colombia's territory.