We make the case for considering occupancy, the proportion of area occupied, as a primary state variable of interest for research and monitoring of wild bee populations. A focus on occupancy can help to resolve some of the current complications arising from population monitoring of bees. We highlight the strengths of occupancy specifically in the context of wild bee monitoring, drawing from achievements of current monitoring programs of other taxa. We provide guidance for incorporating occupancy models into the design of current and future wild bee research and monitoring efforts. For applied entomologists, we also stress the importance of developing bee research or monitoring objectives that result in actionable conservation or improved scientific understanding.
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