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Spatial configuration and landscape context of wildflower areas determine their benefits to pollinator α- and β-diversity.

Authors :
Warzecha, Daniela
Diekötter, Tim
Wolters, Volkmar
Jauker, Frank
Source :
Basic & Applied Ecology; Nov2021, Vol. 56, p335-344, 10p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Wildflower areas have become a staple tool within agro-environmental schemes (AES) to counteract pollinator declines. While their role in providing food resources to resident flower-visiting insects is unambiguous, the conservation effectiveness in a landscape context is less clear. Particularly, how multiple vs. single wildflower area utilization differs between simple and complex landscapes is understudied. We examined colonisation and community dynamics of wild bees and hoverflies in 33 newly established wildflower areas across a gradient of landscape complexity (amount of semi-natural habitat) and connectivity (presence of additional wildflower areas) for seven weeks during three consecutive years (one year during and two after establishment). We recorded more than 25% of the wild bee and hoverfly species of Hesse in an area of approx. 10 ha, substantiating the general benefit of wildflower areas to pollinators. While alpha-diversity increased with landscape complexity in isolated wildflower areas, the opposite pattern was observed for connected areas. The low alpha-diversity in complex landscapes indicated a dilution effect between connected sites. The inverse relationship between alpha and beta diversity among wildflower areas within landscapes suggests interspecific trade-offs between local resource conditions and landscape context. Accordingly, the establishment of multiple wildflower areas within AES is advisable to increase connectivity of suitable habitats in simple landscapes. Moreover, adjusting local conditions (plant diversity) to landscape context likely optimizes conservation effectiveness in modern agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14391791
Volume :
56
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Basic & Applied Ecology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
153161263
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2021.08.001