Indirect effects of grazing intensity on pollinators and floral visitation

This study describes how changes in the density of domestic livestock can affect

pollinator and flower abundance, resulting in contrasting effects on flower visitation rates

with, apparently, neutral net consequences. This illustrates the complexity of responses

to plant–pollinator interactions to anthropogenic disturbances that alter the ecological

context.

Intermediate stocking densities showed the highest insect richness and abundance.

Livestock density showed a negative quadratic relationship with insect richness;

hymenopterans being the main insect group in the region. Flower density decreased with

the increase in livestock density. The five plant species shared several pollinator species

although each one supported a distinct assemblage.