Abstract
Land-use change is a key driver of loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, drastically reducing the amount of natural habitat while increasing remnant habitat isolation. Here, I tested the effects of the surrounding landscape matrix on remnant pollinator communities and plant-pollinator networks. I show that a decrease in surrounding matrix quality led to changes in species composition and network interactions within native remnants. Crucially, the persistence of bee assemblages in remnant habitat was driven by floral resources availability in the surrounding matrix. These findings have important implications for conservation strategies aiming to maintain and restore biodiversity in human-modified landscapes.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 22 Jan 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Unpublished - 2021 |