Landscape fragmentation constrains bumblebee nutritional ecology and
foraging dynamics
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation is modifying landscapes and the distribution of
floral resources, possibly shaping also pollinator resource acquisition.
Here, using urban parks as field laboratories for the dramatic contrast
around, 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 foraging rate 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 shorter foraging time in smaller
green areas, showing behavioral limits by the landscape. Thus,
fragmentation can constrain all aspects of bumblebee foraging by
compromising resource accessibility. This study illuminates the link
between landscape features and the nutritional ecology of pollinators, a
key aspect for understanding pollinator foraging dynamics and even for
outlining mitigation measures in urban contexts.