Roadside wildflowers in Jammu’s Himalayan foothills become unexpected haven for native bees

A recent study in Jammu’s Himalayan foothills has revealed that moderately disturbed habitats, such as roadside vegetation and agro-ecosystems, are attracting large numbers of native bees, defying expectations that pristine landscapes are necessary for biodiversity.

Researchers from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, found that these areas, with their mix of flowering weeds and plants, are drawing in multiple native bee species, including Blue-banded bees, small carpenter bees, and large, glossy carpenter bees.

The study, published in October 2025, highlights the importance of the Himalayan foothill region, where different climate zones and elevations meet, supporting a mix of habitats that provide diverse flowering resources for pollinators.”These findings remind us that biodiversity can thrive in unexpected places,” says researcher Yousra Mukhtar.