Impacts of Logging on Midsummer Diversity of Native Bees (Apoidea) in a Northern Hardwood Forest

Abstract Although there is a worldwide concern about anthropogenic causes of pollinator declines, little is known about how specific land use practices, such as agriculture, urbanization, and logging, influence the diversity and abundance of native bees. We investigated the impact of logging on native bees (Apoidea) in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State (USA) in an area isolated from the effects of both agriculture and introduced honey bees. Specifically, we measured midsummer bee abundance and diversity on matched 5-acre plots two and three years after experimental logging cuts to remove 30, 60, and 100% of the trees. We obtained additional data on floral abundance and weather in relation to bee abundance. We found that bee abundance and diversity was highest in areas where the most trees had been removed. Also, we found little difference in diversity between the two study years, despite major differences in weather. The observed diversity patterns were best explained by the observed increase in abundance of flowering plants such as Rubus and Solidago. Despite the overall relationship between logging and bee diversity, the abundance of four species of Lasioglossum were significantly greater in the 60% tree removal plot than the 100% removal clear cut. Overall, our results suggest that a small-scale tree removal within a northern hardwood forest increases diversity and abundance of many bee species in the short term.

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