Flowering phenology and nesting resources influence pollinator community composition in a fragmented ecosystem
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| Authors: | Wray, JC; Elle, E |
| Year: | 2015 |
| Journal: | Landscape Ecology 30: 261-272 Article Link (DOI) |
| Title: | Flowering phenology and nesting resources influence pollinator community composition in a fragmented ecosystem |
| Abstract: | Habitat loss is the leading cause of extinctions on the planet. However, negative effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity can be reduced if resources in urban or semi-natural areas in the surrounding matrix can be used by wildlife. We investigated the influence of floral and nesting resources in urban- and forest-associated oak-savannah fragments, surrounding urban and forest matrix, and urban areas spatially independent from oak-savannah habitat on pollinator community composition in a fragmented oak-savannah ecosystem. Both independent urban and urban matrix sites supported high abundance and richness of plants and pollinators relative to other fragment categories, especially towards the end of the season when plants and pollinators in oak-savannah fragments were scarce. A species of particular conservation concern in our region, Bombus occidentalis, was supported by late-flowering resources in our urban sites. Forest-associated oak-savannah fragments were missing late-season species while urban-associated fragments supported high abundance and richness of mid- to late-season pollinators, likely due to supplemental use of floral resources in the urban matrix. Female cavity-nesting and ground-nesting bees were not restricted by the availability of natural nesting resources we expected them to require (e.g. small cavities, bare soil). These results provide important information on native pollinators in a highly fragmented habitat, and suggest that we should consider matrix quality in conservation planning. |
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