Ecological connectivity of bee communities in fragmented areas of Volcano Etna (Sicily, Italy) at different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila)

A study on Mount Etna, Sicily, reveals that ecological connectivity is crucial for maintaining bee diversity in fragmented landscapes. Researchers analyzed four sites with varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance—including urban parks, a nature reserve, and an agroecosystem—from 2007 to 2010. They identified 163 bee species across six families, using diversity indices and multivariate analysis to assess community structure. Mapping biopermeability highlighted how natural corridors influence bee populations, while treating sites as 'ecological islands' underscored the impact of fragmentation on biodiversity. The findings emphasize that conservation strategies must prioritize both ecological connectivity and local plant diversity to sustain bee communities effectively.

Bella, S., Catania, R., La Greca, P., Nobile, V., Turrisi, G. F., & D’Urso, V. (2023). Ecological connectivity of bee communities in fragmented areas of Volcano Etna (Sicily, Italy) at different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila). Journal of Entomological and Acarological Research, 55(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/jear.2023.11360