<p>Ecosystem functions such as pollination and predation are important in providing essential goods and services to humans. These ecological functions are significantly higher in heterogeneous and pristine landscapes than in degraded landscapes. Afromontane forests, such as Taita Hills, are important for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, hydrological maintenance, and local livelihoods through ecosystem services. However, anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted species composition, affecting predation and pollination processes. Therefore, understanding these impacts is crucial for effective conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem integrity. This study aimed at evaluating pollination and predation as proxies of ecosystem functions across a cloud forest (Chawia), exotic plantation (Fururu), and agricultural land in Taita Hills, Kenya. Twenty transects, each measuring 10 × 10m<sup>2</sup>, were established per ecosystem type. Pollination was evaluated using daily pan traps, and arthropods were morphotyped. Predation was assessed using artificial caterpillar dummies set up for 24&#xa0;h over 15 days per ecosystem type. Results showed that Chawia forest had the highest pollinator abundance (7.71 ± 0.68), followed by agricultural land (7.16 ± 0.51) and Fururu forest (4.67 ± 0.76). Dipterans 5.51 ± 0.35 (69.37%) were the predominant pollinators, followed by Hymenopterans 1.03 ± 0.07 (13.37%) and Coleopterans 0.52 ± 0.05 (7.07%). Predation activity varied across ecosystems, with the highest activity in Chawia forest (3.97 ± 0.16), followed by agricultural land (3.56 ± 0.16), and Fururu forest (3.05 ± 0.12). In conclusion, the Chawia forest exhibited greater diversity and played a vital role in promoting ecosystem functions. Therefore, conserving natural forests maintains forest integrity and promotes ecosystem functions.</p>

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Evaluation of ecosystem functions across three ecosystem types in afromontane forest in Kenya

  • Felistas Mbinya Mwania,
  • Simon Mwangi Muriu,
  • Virginia Gathoni Gichuru,
  • Mike Teucher,
  • Jan Christian Habel

摘要

Ecosystem functions such as pollination and predation are important in providing essential goods and services to humans. These ecological functions are significantly higher in heterogeneous and pristine landscapes than in degraded landscapes. Afromontane forests, such as Taita Hills, are important for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, hydrological maintenance, and local livelihoods through ecosystem services. However, anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted species composition, affecting predation and pollination processes. Therefore, understanding these impacts is crucial for effective conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem integrity. This study aimed at evaluating pollination and predation as proxies of ecosystem functions across a cloud forest (Chawia), exotic plantation (Fururu), and agricultural land in Taita Hills, Kenya. Twenty transects, each measuring 10 × 10m2, were established per ecosystem type. Pollination was evaluated using daily pan traps, and arthropods were morphotyped. Predation was assessed using artificial caterpillar dummies set up for 24 h over 15 days per ecosystem type. Results showed that Chawia forest had the highest pollinator abundance (7.71 ± 0.68), followed by agricultural land (7.16 ± 0.51) and Fururu forest (4.67 ± 0.76). Dipterans 5.51 ± 0.35 (69.37%) were the predominant pollinators, followed by Hymenopterans 1.03 ± 0.07 (13.37%) and Coleopterans 0.52 ± 0.05 (7.07%). Predation activity varied across ecosystems, with the highest activity in Chawia forest (3.97 ± 0.16), followed by agricultural land (3.56 ± 0.16), and Fururu forest (3.05 ± 0.12). In conclusion, the Chawia forest exhibited greater diversity and played a vital role in promoting ecosystem functions. Therefore, conserving natural forests maintains forest integrity and promotes ecosystem functions.