Biodiversity and plant-insect interactions in fragmented habitats: A systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Fragmentation is threatening insect biodiversity and intricate interactions in various ecosystems. Ecological interactions – especially those involving plants and insects – are significantly impacted by fragmented habitats. Because of fragmentation, edge effects and reduced habitat connectivity and quality affect insect species diversity, abundance, behavior, movement, life cycles, and interactions with plants, e.g., pollination, herbivory, and seed distribution. To a large degree, ecosystem services or processes are mediated by these interactions. While fragmented habitats create suitable conditions for invasive alien plants (IAPs), such invasions modify native plant composition and herbivorous insect communities because they cause a decline or loss in insect biodiversity. A systematic review was conducted by reviewing eighty-eight (88) articles to gather evidence for fragmentation effects on insect biodiversity, insects’ behavior and adaptations, plant-insect interactions (i.e., pollination, herbivory, and seed dispersal), and its influence on IAP invasions. This review deduced that any change in insect community composition and diversity due to fragmentation can have cascading effects on ecosystem processes within habitats. It further contends that successful conservation and management of fragmented habitats requires an understanding of the intricate dynamics of plant-insect interactions. However, the long-term resilience and health of ecosystems can be guaranteed by supporting sustainable land use, improving connectivity, and restoring habitats. These actions may help stop and/or reduce the effects of fragmentation on insect biodiversity and support the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people.