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The effects of natural and anthropogenic habitats on pollinator communities in oak-savannah fragments on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.Sc.
Date created
2013-12-06
Authors/Contributors
Abstract
Fragmentation of natural habitat can lead to loss of species but landscapes surrounding habitat fragments may provide resources and so promote species diversity. I examined the role of the surrounding landscape – Douglas-fir forest and urban residential areas – on pollinator communities in oak-savannah fragments. Bees in fragments surrounded by forest were larger, and body size increased with increased availability of early-blooming, native flowering plants. Small-bodied, mid to late-season bees were more abundant in fragments surrounded by urban landscapes. We propose these late-season generalist pollinators were supported by floral resources in the gardens of urban habitats. In contrast, early-flying species were unique to oak-savannah fragments and some bumble bees may rely on nesting resources found only in forested landscapes. Although urban residential lawns and gardens supported a high richness and abundance of pollinator species, conservation of these oak savannah- and forest-associated species will depend on maintaining and restoring oak-savannah habitats.
Document
Identifier
etd8125
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The author granted permission for the file to be printed and for the text to be copied and pasted.
Scholarly level
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor: Elle, Elizabeth
Member of collection
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etd8125_JWray.pdf 1.65 MB

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