Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70207
Involved members of MultiTroph: Ting-Ting Xie, Ming-Qiang Wang, Michael Staab, Jing-Ting Chen, Xiao-Yu Shi, Qing-Song Zhou, Arong Luo, Douglas Chesters, Chao-Dong Zhu
Summary: This study investigated how tree diversity and the understorey microenvironment influence multiple facets of bee diversity in BEF-China. Analysing taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of 79 bee species, Xie et al. found that tree richness, canopy cover, and understorey vegetation exerted distinct and sometimes opposing effects across diversity dimensions. Canopy cover reduced taxonomic diversity but increased phylogenetic and functional diversity, while these patterns shifted when understorey cover was considered. Overall, tree richness influenced bee diversity both directly and indirectly through its effects on vegetation structure and microclimate.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that forest restoration outcomes for pollinators depend not only on tree species richness but also on how trees modify understorey structure and microclimatic conditions. Effective conservation strategies should therefore integrate tree diversity with forest structural management to support multiple dimensions of bee diversity and pollination services.