A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Landscape fragmentation constrains bumblebee nutritional ecology and foraging dynamics
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0426-5650
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7265-0796
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1065-5804
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2297-006X
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Habitat fragmentation decreases the nutritional quality of resources collected by bumblebees. Proteins, lipids and protein to lipid ratio of pollen were influenced by landscape configuration. Local plant species richness influenced protein and polyphenol content of pollen. Longer foraging trips were recorded in areas with reduced green cover. Specific plant communities composition was linked to pollen nutritional features.
Abstract Habitat fragmentation is modifying landscapes and the distribution of floral resources, possibly shaping pollinator resource acquisition, which is an issue of global concern for pollinator health and urbanization sustainability. Here, in different urban parks contrasting in terms of local features and surrounding urban matrix, we aimed to clarify how fragmentation and local flower availability shape bumblebee foraging dynamics by characterizing several components: the nutritional content and plant composition of collected pollen pellets, the trip length and the plant-nutrition association along a fragmentation gradient. We found mostly negative linear or non-linear relationships between nutritional quality and fragmentation, tight plant composition-nutrition associations interpretable as low access to alternative resources, and longer foraging time in smaller green areas, showing that urban green area fragmentation limits nutritional resource accessibility. However, flower local richness improved the collection of beneficial nutrients as proteins and polyphenols, thus potentially rescuing negative landscape effects. This study illuminates the link between landscape and local features and the nutritional ecology of pollinators, a key aspect for understanding pollinator foraging dynamics. The findings of the study can provide valuable guidelines for policy makers and stakeholders involved in the management and ecological restoration planning for urban green areas and even for outlining mitigation measures in urban contexts.
Landscape fragmentation constrains bumblebee nutritional ecology and foraging dynamics
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0426-5650
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7265-0796
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1065-5804
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2297-006X
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Habitat fragmentation decreases the nutritional quality of resources collected by bumblebees. Proteins, lipids and protein to lipid ratio of pollen were influenced by landscape configuration. Local plant species richness influenced protein and polyphenol content of pollen. Longer foraging trips were recorded in areas with reduced green cover. Specific plant communities composition was linked to pollen nutritional features.
Abstract Habitat fragmentation is modifying landscapes and the distribution of floral resources, possibly shaping pollinator resource acquisition, which is an issue of global concern for pollinator health and urbanization sustainability. Here, in different urban parks contrasting in terms of local features and surrounding urban matrix, we aimed to clarify how fragmentation and local flower availability shape bumblebee foraging dynamics by characterizing several components: the nutritional content and plant composition of collected pollen pellets, the trip length and the plant-nutrition association along a fragmentation gradient. We found mostly negative linear or non-linear relationships between nutritional quality and fragmentation, tight plant composition-nutrition associations interpretable as low access to alternative resources, and longer foraging time in smaller green areas, showing that urban green area fragmentation limits nutritional resource accessibility. However, flower local richness improved the collection of beneficial nutrients as proteins and polyphenols, thus potentially rescuing negative landscape effects. This study illuminates the link between landscape and local features and the nutritional ecology of pollinators, a key aspect for understanding pollinator foraging dynamics. The findings of the study can provide valuable guidelines for policy makers and stakeholders involved in the management and ecological restoration planning for urban green areas and even for outlining mitigation measures in urban contexts.
Landscape fragmentation constrains bumblebee nutritional ecology and foraging dynamics
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0426-5650
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7265-0796
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1065-5804
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2297-006X
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Habitat fragmentation decreases the nutritional quality of resources collected by bumblebees. Proteins, lipids and protein to lipid ratio of pollen were influenced by landscape configuration. Local plant species richness influenced protein and polyphenol content of pollen. Longer foraging trips were recorded in areas with reduced green cover. Specific plant communities composition was linked to pollen nutritional features.
Abstract Habitat fragmentation is modifying landscapes and the distribution of floral resources, possibly shaping pollinator resource acquisition, which is an issue of global concern for pollinator health and urbanization sustainability. Here, in different urban parks contrasting in terms of local features and surrounding urban matrix, we aimed to clarify how fragmentation and local flower availability shape bumblebee foraging dynamics by characterizing several components: the nutritional content and plant composition of collected pollen pellets, the trip length and the plant-nutrition association along a fragmentation gradient. We found mostly negative linear or non-linear relationships between nutritional quality and fragmentation, tight plant composition-nutrition associations interpretable as low access to alternative resources, and longer foraging time in smaller green areas, showing that urban green area fragmentation limits nutritional resource accessibility. However, flower local richness improved the collection of beneficial nutrients as proteins and polyphenols, thus potentially rescuing negative landscape effects. This study illuminates the link between landscape and local features and the nutritional ecology of pollinators, a key aspect for understanding pollinator foraging dynamics. The findings of the study can provide valuable guidelines for policy makers and stakeholders involved in the management and ecological restoration planning for urban green areas and even for outlining mitigation measures in urban contexts.
Landscape fragmentation constrains bumblebee nutritional ecology and foraging dynamics
Pioltelli, E. (author) / Guzzetti, L. (author) / Ouled Larbi, M. (author) / Labra, M. (author) / Galimberti, A. (author) / Biella, P. (author)
2024-03-28
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English