Changing bee and hoverfly pollinator assemblages along an urban-rural gradient.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The potential for reduced pollination ecosystem service due to global declines of bees and other pollinators is cause for considerable concern. Habitat degradation, destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural intensification have historically been the main causes of this pollinator decline. However, despite increasing and accelerating levels of global urbanization, very little research has investigated the effects of urbanization on pollinator assemblages. We assessed changes in the diversity, abundance and species composition of bee and hoverfly pollinator assemblages in urban, suburban, and rural sites across a UK city.

Methodology/principal findings

Bees and hoverflies were trapped and netted at 24 sites of similar habitat character (churchyards and cemet

SUBMITTER: Bates AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3155562 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature