Land-use changes as drivers of pollinator declines

Abstract

The loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural and semi-natural habitats due to land-use changes is one of the fundamental causes of worldwide pollinator declines. In this paper, we review how land-use changes affect wild native pollinator insects, as well as the particular effects of the three main types of land-use (agriculture, livestock grazing and urbanization) on pollinator abundance and diversity, plant-pollinator networks, and pollination service. Land-use changes may vary in intensity, but all of them involve habitat disturbances affecting pollinator populations, especially through modification of their floral and nesting resources. In general, regardless of the land-use type, changes whose intensity increases the availability of resources and the heterogeneity of microhabitats tend to have positive effects on the abundance and diversity of pollinators, whereas changes that reduce resource availability usually have negative effects. Moreover, the response of pollinators depends on their specific traits (specialization, mobility, sociability, nesting site, phenology). Some species or groups may be favoured while others disadvantaged by different land-uses. Although the negative effects of land-use changes are ubiquitous, anthropogenic habitats may still be suitable for pollinators if appropriate conservation, restoration and management measures are taken.