National Conservation Area Research Articles

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) Abundance in a National Conservation Area in Idaho Has Increased since the 1970s–1990s

ABSTRACT The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), in southwestern Idaho, USA supports a large population of breeding Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus). Abundance of Prairie Falcons in the NCA was previously monitored in 1976–1978 and 1990–1994. That research indicated maximum counts for each period in 1976 and 1992 and a possible population decline across that time span. We assessed the abundance and nesting success of Prairie Falcons in the NCA in 2002–2003 and 2019–2021, and we compared results to data from before 2000 to assess possible population change. Number of nesting pairs increased over 45 years from peak counts of 206, 193, and 217 in the 1970s, 1990s, and early 2000s, respectively, to 257 in 2021. Increases were not concentrated in one region, but widely distributed across the study area. Rates of nesting success in 2002–2003 and 2019–2021 averaged 57 ± 11.8% (SD) at 49.8 ± 3.3 nests observed each year and did not differ from pre-2000 rates. Finally, our analysis showed that in all 10 years in which a full census was conducted, a sampling approach to surveys would have been effective at estimating the number of falcons nesting within the NCA. Prairie Falcons are of conservation concern because of possible population declines in parts of their range. These results illustrate an area with apparently increasing numbers of this important species and highlight the importance of long-term surveys for tracking population fluctuations and the value of a national conservation area for providing raptor breeding habitat.

Assessing the impact of strictly protecting 30%–50% of global land on carbon dynamics in natural and agricultural ecosystems

Societal Impact StatementStrictly protected areas for nature conservation are a key policy to benefit biodiversity and climate change mitigation since reduced deforestation and ecosystem restoration enhance carbon stocks. However, there is controversy regarding their potential societal impacts, such as competition for land and food security. Here, we investigate the implications of protecting 30% and 50% of the global ice‐free land surface on the spatiotemporal dynamics of ecosystem carbon uptake and losses, agricultural land use and synergies with food production. The study provides insights into the role of protected areas on the global terrestrial carbon store, contributing to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation efforts.Summary Agriculture and forestry use around half of the global ice‐free land and are major drivers of biodiversity loss. For this reason, the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets at least 30% of protected global land by 2030. This study evaluates the impacts of different land‐use change scenarios on the storage of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems and trade‐offs and synergies in the global food production system by comparing a reference scenario with no additional protected area expansion targets and two scenarios with strict area‐based protection targets of 30% and 50% of the ice‐free land surface. A net global gain in carbon storage up to 110 PgC was projected for 2056–2060 in the protection scenarios compared to the reference scenario (equivalent to around 10 years of current global anthropogenic C emissions). However, regional disparities in carbon storage are large and include carbon losses in areas identified as having—at least on a decadal perspective—‘irrecoverable’ carbon. In the protection scenarios, cropland expansion in some regions is accompanied by intensification of production with an increase of up to 8% in the use of N fertiliser, which may lead to pollution and additional greenhouse gas emissions.

Spatial Configuration and Accessibility Assessment of Recreational Resources in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park

Recreational resources, fundamental to ecological experiences, are critical in balancing conservation with development. Effective ecotourism planning is especially vital for newly established protected areas such as the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in China’s developing system of natural conservation areas. Targeting Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, this study applies nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) to study the spatial pattern of 274 recreational resource points. Results indicate a clustered spatial pattern with significant differences in resource density among municipalities. Specifically, 98% of these resources can be reached in 3 h, with an average travel time of 91 min, and cultural resources exhibit greater accessibility than natural resources. Natural resource availability and ethnic culture are major factors of resource distribution and accessibility. This research offers a theoretical basis and practical guidance for optimizing recreational resource allocation and promoting ecotourism in the park, contributing to the ongoing discussion of sustainable tourism development.

Pest Control and Safety Management Monitoring in Outdoor Plantation Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Captured Images

The National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do, exhibits and studies Korea’s diverse ecosystems to communicate the importance of biodiversity conservation to the general public. The site faces the challenge of preserving the natural environment while ensuring visitor convenience. This requires systematic data collection to quickly detect and respond to threats from pests and natural disasters. In this study, high-resolution orthoimages were acquired to monitor ecological changes using unmanned aerial vehicles. Images were captured through flights monthly from March to July 2024. Digital elevation models and orthoimages were generated to identify dead trees and assess areas of damage caused by heavy rainfall. The study covered an area of 998,655 m2, and the image resolution was 3.6 cm/pixel. The orthophotos were useful in identifying plant pest damage. They also helped evaluate damage caused by rain, showing that the total area of damage was 29,384 m2, mainly due to soil erosion. Furthermore, it is expected that the accumulation of such unmanned remote sensing image data can also be applied to the safety management of various natural conservation areas and public facilities.

Evaluating urban biodiversity: Effectiveness of citizen science driven species distribution models in urban ecosystems

Citizen science (CS) and remote sensing (RS) approaches have become more reliable, thus providing higher resolution and generating a large amount of environmental data. When considering urban environments, where fragmented and highly diverse landscapes are predominant, the combination of citizen science data and remote sensing techniques with species distribution models (SDM) can play a vital role in comprehensively investigating and evaluating urban biodiversity. However, citizen science derived species distribution models for multiple avian species in dense and fragmented urban areas are rarely used. The study aims (I) to elaborate, whether CS driven SDMs can be effectively used in spatially complex urban environments; (II) to identify biodiversity hotspots and prioritize areas for nature conservation and (III) to examine, if existing protective areas correspond to species’ hotspots. Therefore, Citizen science-based datasets of 26 breeding bird species over three years were obtained for this analysis in Germany’s Ruhr Metropolis. Quality assurance, data thinning, and pseudo-absence simulations were performed. Spatial data from the ecosystem LiDAR project GEDI (Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation), climate data from the German Weather Service, and land use information from Copernicus were used as environmental predictors. Eleven different species distri-bution models (SDMs) were trained on species subselection by using Biomod2 for preliminary analysis. Overall model performance was evaluated via several metrics, including TSS (true skill statistics) and ROC (receiver operating characteristic). Finally, four species distribution models were used for ensemble modelling. Subsequently, a species richness analysis was performed with the aim of identifying spots with high avian biodiversity. Overall, the CS-derived SDMs performed well, with high predictive power for all of the investigated species. Within the Ruhr Metropolis, approximately 6% (250 km²) of the terrain was identified as being highly suitable for avian diversity, inhabiting at least 17 out of 26 species. Predominantly within the core urban areas, high species richness was predicted on preserved brownfields and revitalized mine sites, as well as in the remnants of formerly demarcated regional greenbelts. Additionally, regions outside of the core area, which are part of the overarching biotope network framework, proved to have high species richness capabilities for avian biodiversity. These findings aid in optimizing urban development concepts and (sub)urban green space management with respect to urban biodiversity conservation. Following the implications of the recently established Regional Biodiversity Strategy in the Ruhr Metropolis, this analysis demonstrates the importance of networked green spaces, their preservation and the need to close existing network gaps within the Ruhr Metropolis.

Effects of outdoor recreation on multiple vertebrate guilds in a fragmented sagebrush‐steppe ecosystem

AbstractOutdoor recreational use is growing rapidly in the western United States, which increases the pressure on multiple‐use public lands. Balancing recreational use with conservation goals requires considering the spatial and temporal intensity of recreational use and examining its effects on multiple species within an ecosystem. In 2019–2021, we assessed the relationship between recreational intensity and the abundance of a dominant prey species (Piute ground squirrel [Urocitellus mollis]), the abundance of avian and mammalian facultative scavengers that rely on ground squirrels, and the abundance and nesting success of ground‐nesting birds at a national conservation area in southwestern Idaho, USA, where recreational shooting and off‐highway vehicle use are the primary recreational activities. Recreational intensity varied across the study site. The abundance of ground squirrels was not related to recreational intensity. The abundance of common ravens (Corvus corax) and the abundance of American badgers (Taxidea taxus), 2 common facultative scavengers, were both positively associated with recreational intensity, while the abundance of other avian facultative scavengers was not related to recreational intensity. The abundance of horned larks (Eremophila alpestris) and nesting success of long‐billed curlews (Numenius americanus), a more sensitive species, were negatively related to recreational intensity. Together, our results highlight the importance of considering variation in recreational intensity and the effect of recreation on multiple guilds within the ecosystem. An improved understanding of these relationships can be used with public land management to protect wildlife while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Expanding European protected areas through rewilding

Rewilding seeks to address biodiversity loss by restoring trophic interactions and fostering self-regulating ecosystems. Although gaining traction in Europe and North America, the extent to which rewilding can meet post-2020 protected-area targets remains uncertain. We formulated criteria to map suitable areas for rewilding by identifying large tracts of land with minimal human disturbances and the presence of key mammal species. We find that one-quarter of Europe, approximately 117 million hectares (ha), is compatible with our rewilding criteria. Of these, 70% are in cooler climates. Passive rewilding opportunities, focused on managing existing wilderness, are predominant in Scandinavia, Scotland, the Iberian Peninsula, and notably in the Baltic states, Ireland, and southeastern Europe. Active rewilding opportunities, marked by reintroduction of absent trophic guilds, are identified in Corsica, Sardinia, southern France, and parts of the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Our mapping supports European nations in leveraging land abandonment to expand areas for nature conservation, aligning with the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Nevertheless, countries with limited potential for rewilding should consider alternative conservation strategies.

Architectural Development of Lusi Island Tourism and Natural Conservation Area in Sidoarjo Regency

Architectural Development of Lusi Island Tourism and Natural Conservation Area in Sidoarjo Regency

Analisis Strategi Pengembangan Potensi Taman Wisata Alam Laut Teluk Kupang

Natural resource conservation or conservation areas whose main use is recreation and tourism in coastal and aquatic areas are called Marine Nature Tourism Parks (TWAL). Kupang City and Kupang Regency have a conservation area known as the Kupang Bay Marine Nature Tourism Park. Kupang Bay Marine Natural Tourism Park has a lot of potential that can be managed as a tourism destination. The author is interested in conducting research to find out and formulate a Potential Development Strategy for the Kupang Bay Marine Natural Tourism Park. This research approach is descriptive qualitative, where the data produced is descriptive or explains clearly. Based on the research analysis that has been carried out using SWOT Analysis, it is concluded that the Kupang Bay Marine Nature Tourism Park Development Strategy has a Strength-Opportunity strategy. This strategy is an aggressive strategy where the potential of the Kupang Bay Marine Natural Tourism Park is utilized as widely as possible to create opportunities.

Building collaborative monitoring programs to manage for ecological sustainability in multi-use marine protected areas: Parks Canada’s national marine conservation areas

Parks Canada collaborates with partners to manage a growing system of national marine conservation areas (NMCAs) and national marine conservation area reserves (NMCARs). These ecologically and culturally varied marine protected areas are established to represent the rich diversity of Canada’s oceans and Great Lakes. They support a broad range of uses within specific zones, including recreation, tourism, fishing, shipping, and Indigenous rights-based activities. Long-term monitoring is a critical tool for tracking changes in marine ecosystems, developing strategies to protect and conserve ecological and cultural values, responding to environmental threats, and ensuring ecologically sustainable use of marine resources that provide long-term societal benefits. Monitoring involves working closely with Indigenous partners, federal departments, provincial/territorial governments, coastal communities, and others (e.g., fishing and tourism sectors, non-governmental organizations, academia). As part of larger seascapes, NMCAs are managed using an ecosystem approach, which requires information on the state of marine biodiversity, threats, and pressures on marine ecosystems, including levels or impacts of marine uses. Each NMCA monitors a site-specific suite of indicators covering these key characteristics that are then integrated to inform decision-making. The monitoring framework is intended to enable a comprehensive, nationally consistent approach to monitoring and reporting while adapting to local needs and governance. Successes, challenges, and lessons learned through the implementation of the framework are highlighted through place-based examples.

PEMBANGUNAN BUMI PERKEMAHAN TANPA DOKUMEN AMDAL DI KABUPATEN GARUT (STUDI PUTUSAN NOMOR 2251 K/PidSus- LH/2020)

The construction of a campground in Garut Regency has caused legal problems, because it does not have an AMDAL document and environmental permits. The problems of this article are: whether the construction of the campground carried out by the head of DISPORA to fulfill environmental permits is in accordance with the Law on Environmental Protection and Management (UUPPLH) and what legal consequences arise from development in natural resource conservation areas without AMDAL documents. This research is a normative legal research and is descriptive in nature. The results of the research and discussion show that the AMDAL document is a legal instrument that must be made by every person in charge in a business/activity that has an important impact and violations result in the revocation of environmental permits. The conclusion of this research, namely: The construction of the campground carried out by the Head of DISPORA is not in accordance with Article 36 paragraph (1) of the UUPPLH. The Head of DISPORA Garut Regency has never made an AMDAL Document to the Environmental Agency and did not apply for an Environmental Permit to BPMPT so that the Head of DISPORA was sentenced under Article 109 jo. Article 116 paragraphs (1) and (2) of UUPPLH for non-compliance in making AMDAL documents.

Illegal shooting of protected nongame birds along power lines coincides with places and times of peak legal recreational shooting

Abstract Illegal killing of protected nongame birds is pervasive and can be demographically relevant. In 2021 and 2022, we evaluated spatial and temporal patterns in illegal killing of birds along 69.7 km of power lines in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in Idaho, USA, to provide insight into potential drivers behind the activity and key information to manage this threat across the American west. The illegal shooting of 8 species of raptors and corvids we documented was clumped both temporally and spatially, as opposed to being randomly distributed across the year and landscape. We found 72 illegally shot birds, most killed during spring months (March to May), coincident with peak time periods of legal recreational shooting activity, and in places with high levels of recreational shooting. We also found evidence of targeted killing of raptors in the conservation area in areas not associated with recreational shooting. Given the numbers of nesting pairs of some local raptor species, this shooting is likely demographically relevant for some but not all local populations. Likewise, with the prevalence of recreational shooting across the American west, the inference we draw is broadly relevant beyond our Idaho study area. The insight our work provides can enable owners of power lines, law enforcement agencies, and resource managers to coordinate in outreach, regulatory, and law enforcement action to manage a threat that may have widespread impacts for some avian species.

Long-term impact of wildfire on soil physical, chemical and biological properties within a pine forest

AbstractAnthropogenic fires pose a serious threat to many terrestrial ecosystems because they can cause loss of biodiversity and carbon stocks in the biosphere. Specifically, wildfires impacting natural conservation areas such as European Natura 2000 sites (N2K) are of particular concern. The main study objective was to evaluate the long-term effects of wildfires on the organic layer and some physical, chemical and biological properties of the underlying soil mineral layer, linked to soil quality. Here, we studied two coastal Mediterranean Aleppo pine stands within an N2K site differing for the fires’ years of occurrence, the time between fires (TBF) and the time since last fire (TSLF) throughout 24 years. Furthermore, in each stand, differences in fire frequency (FF) were considered by selecting three sites—double-fire, single-fire and control (unburnt). Our results show the absence of the O-layer in double-fire sites, indicating a loss of this organic carbon (if compared to control) pool of 204 g m−2 in R2F and 139 g m−2 in M2F. Despite this loss being offset by the Corg increase in soil mineral layer, the disappearance of O-layer may compromise the ecosystem services provided by soil. In each stand, long-term fire effects were evident at both single-fire and double-fire sites for some chemical as well as biological soil properties and depended on TSLF. Increased rates of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification were found at all burned sites, persisting up to 24 years post-fire. Soil quality indicators data highlighted the recovery handicap of the microbial community within the considered period. Since our outcomes showed wildfires enduring consequences, mainly relating to TSLF and FF, on different organic and mineral soil properties, we advocate employing prompt strategies to mitigate recurring fires.

Incorporating diverse values of nature in decision-making-theory and practice.

Values play a significant role in decision-making, especially regarding nature. Decisions impact people and nature in complex ways and understanding which values are prioritised, and which are left out is an important task for improving the equity and effectiveness of decision-making. Based on work done for the IPBES Values Assessment, this paper develops a framework to support analyses of how decision-making influences nature as well as whose values get prioritised. The framework is used to analyse key areas of environmental policy: a) the present model for nature protection in market economies, b) the role of valuation in bringing nature values into decisions, and c) values embedded in environmental policy instruments, exemplified by protected areas for nature conservation and payments for ecosystem services. The analyses show that environmental policies have been established as mere additions to decision-making structures that foster economic expansion, which undermines a wide range of nature's values. Moreover, environmental policies themselves are also focused on a limited set of nature's diverse values. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bringing nature into decision-making'.

PERENCANAAN PENANGANAN PERIZINAN PEMBANGUNAN TAMAN WISATA ALAM PEMANDIAN MEGA MENDUNG NAGARI SINGGALANG KABUPATEN TANAH DATAR

This research is motivated by the natural tourist park tourist attraction which is located on the Sicincin-Bukittinggi highway, precisely in the Anai Valley, where the location of this tourist attraction is included in a natural conservation area. This research aims to design a planning for handling permits for the construction of the Mega Mendung Natural Tourism Park in Nagari Singgalang, Tanah Datar Regency. This research focuses on analyzing licensing regulations, mapping licensing procedures, and preparing recommendations to simplify and speed up the licensing process for developing Nature Tourism Parks. The research methodology involved data collection, regulatory analysis, interviews, and field surveys. The results of this research show that the government is taking a middle path to resolve licensing issues in the form of managing natural conservation areas in accordance with existing regulations, while the entrepreneurs themselves will later follow government decisions in the future considering that this tourist attraction has been operating for quite a long time and without an official permit.

Prioritizing rare climate space enhances plant biodiversity in national conservation area networks

Protected areas (PAs) planning often encounters obstacles globally due to the scarcity of reliable and systematic biodiversity data covering wide areas. Understanding the interaction between climate and biodiversity patterns can offer a novel approach to spatial conservation prioritization, considering the impact of climate on species distributions and the global availability of climate data. Here we used climate-based planning to develop national networks of PAs by prioritizing “climate space”, which represents the multidimensional climatic conditions in a specific area. We assessed four climate-selecting strategies using Marxan to enhance average plant species richness and species composition’ s complementarity in candidate PAs: (1) random selection; (2) prioritizing rare climates; (3) prioritizing common climates; and (4) equal representation for each climate condition. We identified the spatial heterogeneity of national climate conditions in South Korea, with unique climates shaped by geographic and topographic diversity. Notably, prioritizing rare climates consistently resulted in higher average plant species richness and complementarity within candidate PAs. Rare climates exhibited high spatial similarity with high plant species richness and showed significant overlaps and strong connectivity to existing PAs. Rare climatic zones in South Korea have greater geodiversity and lower human population density, providing opportunities for distinct ecosystems and habitats for rare species. Our methodology, which can be easily replicated, offers spatial-explicit and quantitative prioritization of resource allocation in a nation or region with limited biological data.

Importance of ecosystem services and ecological security patterns on Hainan Island, China

The identification and restoration of damaged ecosystems are key to achieving ecological conservation and sustainable. Hainan Island is experiencing a serious crisis of biodiversity and habitat degradation. Therefore, its ecological conservation has become a priority and challenge for China. This study aimed to construct a multi-level ecological security pattern (ESP) based on the synergy of multiple ecosystem service functions and identify important ecological elements and ecological restoration areas. Based on the InVEST model, the circuit theory model, and a series of GIS spatial analysis methods, the importance of ecosystem functions (biodiversity maintenance, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation) was evaluated, and ecological sources, ecological corridors, ecological pinch points, and ecological barrier points were identified. The results are as follows: 1) The best habitats in Hainan Island were distributed in the central mountainous area with diverse ecosystems, with an area of 10982.5 km2, accounting for 34.25% of the total suitable habitats. Low-level habitats are mainly distributed on tableland and coastal zones. Human disturbance is the direct cause of landscape patch fragmentation in low-level habitat areas. 2) A total of 65 large ecological sources with a total area of 8238.23 km2 were identified, which were concentrated in the biodiversity and water conservation areas in the central part of the island. 3) Crucial areas in Hainan Island mainly comprised forests and water bodies. Ecological corridors radiated across the entire area in the form of a spider web and connected all important ecological patches, including 138 ecological corridors (73 primary ecological corridors and 65 secondary ecological corridors), 222 ecological pinch points, and 198 ecological barrier points. In addition, the identified areas for restoration are primary areas in urgent need of protection and restoration. In general, the ecological pinch points are natural conservation areas supplemented by anthropogenic restoration, and the ecological barrier points demand equal attention for anthropogenic restoration and nature conservation. The ecosystem protection plan developed in this study will enrich the theoretical achievements of territorial spatial ecological planning in Hainan Island, and provides clear guidance for alleviating the contradiction between land use and economic development in Hainan Island.

First report on daily activity and feeding behavior of Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) in the protected forest of Kondang Merak Beach, Malang, Indonesia

Abstract. Ilmi AR, Luthfi M, Elfidasari D, Hidayat YS, Prawiradilaga DM. 2023. First report on daily activity and feeding behavior of Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) in the protected forest of Kondang Merak Beach, Malang, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6770-6779. The Javan Hawk-Eagle (JHE) (Nisaetus bartelsi) is an endemic bird of prey (raptor) on Java Island that is increasingly threatened due to land conversion, habitat destruction, and illegal hunting. These factors have led to its classification as a critically endangered species. There is a need to monitor one of the natural conservation areas in the southern region of East Java, namely the protected forest of Kondang Merak Beach, which serves as a habitat for Javan hawk-eagle to preserve the existence of this species. Therefore, this research aimed to understand and identify the daily activity and feeding behavior of Javan hawk-eagle in the protected forest of Kondang Merak Beach, Malang, East Java. The implication of this research is to provide ecological data for further research and disseminate information to the community to support conservation efforts of Javan hawk-eagle species in the protected forest of Kondang Merak Beach area. The methods used included field surveys, observation of daily activity and feeding behavior, collection of daily temperature data, habitat assessment, disturbance assessment, and interviews. Based on the observation of daily activity, the percentage of perching behavior was 71%, while flying behavior was 29%. The peak flying activity occurred between 9:00 and 12:00. Environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and human activities influenced daily activity in the conversation area. The observation of feeding behavior showed that the highest frequency belonged to the category of 23 occurrences, where the peak occurred between 14:00 and 17:00. Furthermore, the activity was affected by nesting seasons and the presence of other raptor species besides Javan hawk-eagle.

Environmental citizen commitment in the process of territorial transition: Perspectives from the global South

Territorial transition in southern countries seems to have a distinctive aspect in comparison to northern countries, as it is governed by a dual challenge. On one hand, to regulate unrestrained urbanisation and, on the other hand, to maintain the principles of sustainability promoted on an international scale. In this article, we focus on the interaction between the two main pillars of sustainability, namely the social and the environment, and in particular on the degree of citizen involvement in processes regarding conservation of natural areas within their cities. Therefore, we question the modalities of territorial transition within theoretical and empirical frameworks for the case of the cities of Duitama in Colombia and Setif in Algeria. Two cities situated in southern countries, amid territorial transition, with rather similar geographical and natural characteristics, yet with very different social conditions. Through a comparative study it is possible to comprehend the diversity of social practices towards protecting the environment in these urban areas. The aim of this study is to understand how the inhabitants of these towns are currently involved in environmental protection, and their potential involvement in the ecological transformation that these two territories will undergo in the future.

Pollination services to crops of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) in the coastal region of Jalisco, Mexico.

Bees play a pivotal role as pollinators in crops essential for human consumption. However, the global decline in bee populations poses a significant threat to pollination services and food security worldwide. The loss and degradation of habitats due to land use change are primary factors contributing to bee declines, particularly in tropical forests facing high deforestation rates. Here, we evaluate the pollination services provided to crops of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) in three municipalities in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, a place with Tropical Dry Forest, during years 2008, and 2014 to 2017. Both crops are cultivated in the dry season, approximately during the months of November to March. We describe the composition of the pollinator community and their visitation frequency (measured through the number of visits per flower per hour), and we assess the impact of pollinators on plant reproductive success and the level of pollinator dependence for each crop species (measured through the number of flowers that developed into fruits). We also evaluate how the landscape configuration (through the percentage of forest cover and distance to the forest) influences richness and abundance of pollinators (measured as number of species and individuals of pollinators per line of 50 m), and we use the model Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) to map and value the pollination service in both crops. InVEST Crop pollination model is a simulation focuses on wild pollinators providing the pollinator ecosystem service. Our findings indicate that Apis mellifera was the primary pollinator of both crops, one of the few abundant pollinators in the study region during the dry season. In experiments where pollinators were excluded from flowers, watermelon yielded no fruits, while green tomato experienced a 65% reduction in production. In the case of green tomato, fruit set showed a positive correlation with pollinator abundance. A positive association between forest cover and total pollinator abundance was observed in green tomato in 2008, but not in watermelon. Additionally, a positive relationship was observed between the abundance of bees predicted by the InVEST model and the abundance of bees observed in green tomato flowers in 2008. In the study region, green tomato and watermelon rely on pollinators for fruit production, with honeybees (from feral and managed colonies) acting as the primary provider of pollination services for these crops. Consequently, the conservation of natural areas is crucial to provide food and nesting resources for pollinators. By doing so, we can ensure the diversity and abundance of pollinators, which in turn will help secure food security. The findings of this study underscore the critical need for the conservation of natural areas to support pollinator populations. Policymakers should prioritize the protection and restoration of habitats, particularly tropical forests, which are essential for maintaining the diversity and abundance of pollinators.