Integrating network ecology with applied conservation: a synthesis and guide to implementation

Ecological networks are a useful tool to study the complexity of biotic interactions at a community level. We introduce a framework for network analysis to be harnessed to advance biodiversity conservation by using plant–pollinator networks and islands as model systems. Conservation practitioners require indicators to assess management effectiveness and validate overall conservation goals. We propose the use of several network metrics that indicate human-induced changes to plant-pollinator communities, and illustrate an implementation pathway to successfully embed a network approach in biodiversity conservation. We list potential obstacles to the framework, highlight the shortfall in experimental network data, and discuss solutions.