Origin of floral resources used by two species of native bees in a livestock agroecological system in Colombia

Extensive cattle ranching has been widely recognised for its negative impacts on biodiversity, including the loss of floral resources and nesting sites crucial for pollinators. Silvopastoral systems (SPS), which include practices like integrating trees and shrubs into pastures, are promoted as a sustainable strategy to mitigate these impacts. This study examined the dietary resources of two native stingless bee species, <i>Frieseomelitta paupera</i> and <i>Tetragonisca angustula</i>, within a silvopastoral landscape in the Magdalena Medio region of Colombia. Through palynological analysis of honey and pollen samples, we identified the botanical origins of their diets, associating floral resources with distinct land-use types: agricultural, buffer, and conservation areas. A total of 73 pollen types from 35 botanical families were identified, with buffer areas contributing the greatest richness and abundance of floral resources. <i>Frieseomelitta paupera</i> exhibited a broader range of floral resource use, while <i>T. angustula</i> relied more heavily on buffer and agricultural zones. Minimal dietary overlap between the species highlights their ecological complementarity. These findings demonstrate that SPS enhance resource availability for pollinators, promoting both agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation. By fostering plant diversity and year-round floral availability, SPS emerge as a valuable tool for sustainable land-use management and pollinator preservation in tropical grazing systems.