Pollination ecology in the tropical Andes: moving towards a cross-scale approach

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BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS

ABSTRACT

Plant-pollinator interactions structure ecological communities and represent a key component of ecosystem functioning. Pollination networks are expected to be more diverse and specialised in the tropics, but pollination ecology in these regions has been understudied in comparison to other areas. We reviewed research on pollination in the tropical Andes, one of the major biodiversity hotspots on Earth, where the uplift of mountains and past climate have resulted in spatiotemporally distinct species interactions. We found ten thousand ten scientific articles on pollination in the Andes, of which four hundred seventy-three included or were carried out in tropical regions. The number of publications on pollination ecology in the tropical Andes has increased exponentially, with Colombia having the most articles, followed by Ecuador and Peru, and with Bolivia and Venezuela having notably fewer studies. More research has been carried out in humid montane forests and agricultural landscapes, and it has predominantly focused on describing diversity of species and interactions while neglecting analyses on the resilience and adaptability of pollinating systems, even though the Andean region is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change and continues to undergo land conversion and degradation. Remarkably few studies have incorporated local knowledge, thus ignoring connections to human livelihoods and communities. A phytocentric perspective has been predominant, with fewer studies focusing directly on pollinators and a notable lack of articles with a holistic approach to the study of pollination across taxonomic groups at the community or ecosystem level. We propose that future research adopts a cross-scale approach that considers the complexity of the ecological contexts in which plant-pollinator interactions occur, and incorporates long-term monitoring with broader multilayer networks and molecular tools, experiments focused on ecophysiology and behaviour, animal telemetry, process-modelling approaches and participatory science. A stronger field driven by interdisciplinary collaborations will contribute to knowledge about pollination at a global scale, as well as increase our understanding of the diversity and resilience of pollination interactions in this region, thus improving our capacity to predict and avoid ecosystem collapses.

I. INTRODUCTION

One. Description of the tropical Andes

Two. Threats to tropical Andean ecosystems

Three. Unique plant-pollinator interactions

Two. Knowledge Gaps

One. Functional, genetic and species diversity

Two. Species interactions

Three. Phenology

Four. Resilience and adaptability to change

Three. Future Perspectives

One. Monitoring spatiotemporal variation

Two. Experiments focused on ecophysiology and behaviour

(a) Case study: using OTC-based research to evaluate pollination in a warmer world

(three) Tracking movement of pollen and pollinators

Modelling complex processes

Engagement with local knowledge through participatory research

Case study: integrating specialised and local knowledge to restore pollination

Conclusions

Six. Author contributions

Nine. Supporting Information

Overview

The document reviews the state of pollination ecology in the tropical Andes, a region noted for its biodiversity and distinct species interactions. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research approaches to better understand and protect these critical ecological relationships under pressure from environmental changes.

Key Points

1Pollination networks in the tropical Andes are diverse but understudied compared to other regions
2The number of studies on pollination in this region has increased, predominantly focused on species diversity
3Most research has centered on humid montane forests and agricultural settings
4Future research should adopt a cross-scale perspective and integrate local knowledge with ecological monitoring
5There is a growing urgency to study and preserve the unique plant-pollinator dynamics in light of climate change and habitat degradation.

Details

Authors: Cristina Rueda-Uribe, Alexander Chauta, Tamsin L. Woodman, Eloisa Lasso, Roxibell C. Pelayo, Laura Milena Manrique-Garzón, Marcia C. Muñoz, Rebekka Allgayer, Tia-Lynn Ashman, Greta Bocedi, David F.R.P. Burslem, Pedro A. Camargo-Martínez, María Angela Echeverry-Galvis, Catalina Gonzalez-Arango, Cecile Gubry-Rangin, Lesley T. Lancaster, Kara K.S. Layton, Fabio Manfredini, Carlos Martel, Lia Montti, Alexander S.T. Papadopulos, Robert A. Raguso, Jonathan Ready, Alejandro Rico-Guevara, Camila Rocabado, Justin M. J. Travis
Category: Biology and Natural Sciences

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