Coinvasional disruptions to island pollinator networks

Biological invasions can disrupt pollinator networks, but most studies focus on single invasive species. This study reveals that multiple co-occurring invaders—green anoles (a predator), western honey bees (a floral competitor), and invasive plants—synergistically reduce pollinator diversity and plant resource use in the Ogasawara Islands. Using structural equation models, researchers found that anole abundance had the strongest negative impact on pollinators, triggering cascading effects, while honey bee abundance directly reduced plant specialization. The degree of invasion influenced whether honey bees compensated for lost functions or exacerbated invasional meltdown. These findings underscore the need to evaluate invasions in a multistressor context to develop effective conservation strategies for vulnerable island ecosystems.

Quitián, M., Planas‐Sitjà, I., Morooka, M., Traveset, A., Tierney, S. M., & Cronin, A. L. (2026). Coinvasional disruptions to island pollinator networks. Conservation Biology, 40(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70304