Effects of forest fragmentation on pollination of Mesogyne insignis (Moraceae) in Amani Nature Reserve forests, Tanzania
2012
Olotu, Moses I. | Ndangalasi, Henry J. | Nyundo, Bruno A.
The efficacy of pollination biology of Mesogyne insignis is poorly known in fragmented forests of Amani Nature Reserve. This study was conducted to determine the effect of forest fragmentation on potential pollinators of this endangered species. Three intact forests and three forest fragments were selected for this study, the intact forests serving as control. Visual observation of insects visiting inflorescences, insect trapping and pollinator exclusion experiments were the methods employed in assessing pollination. Most members of the solitary bee genus Megachile were found to be potential pollinators of M. insignis. Diversity of pollinators was significantly higher in intact forests than in forest fragments. Overall, the total number of fruits set was significantly higher in intact forests than in forest fragments, perhaps a reflection of the higher diversity and abundance of potential pollinators in an intact forest. The pollination system of M. insignis is generalist in terms of systematic group of pollinators, and forest fragmentation may have significant impact on this pollination pattern. A similar study should be conducted in other Eastern Arc Mountains where M. insignis grows to find out whether the potential pollinators are similar or not.
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