The effects of natural and anthropogenic habitats on pollinator communities in oak-savannah fragments on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Fragmentation of natural habitat can lead to loss of species but landscapes surrounding habitat fragments may provide resources and so promote species diversity.I examined the role of the surrounding landscape -Douglas-fir forest and urban residential areason pollinator communities in oak-savannah fragments.Bees in fragments surrounded by forest were larger, and body size increased with increased availability of early-blooming, native flowering plants.Small-bodied, mid to late-season bees were more abundant in fragments surrounded by urban landscapes.We propose these late-season generalist pollinators were supported by floral resources in the gardens of urban habitats.In contrast, early-flying species were unique to oak-savannah fragments and some bumble bees may rely on nesting resources found only in forested landscapes.Although urban residential lawns and gardens supported a high richness and abundance of pollinator species, conservation of these oak savannah-and forest-associated species will depend on maintaining and restoring oak-savannah habitats.
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Julie C. Wray
Language: English
Topic: Plant and animal studies
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W180610447