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.
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