Network analysis highlights increased generalisation and evenness of plant-pollinator interactions after conservation measures

The decline of pollinators may alter the complex system interactions that they establish with flowering plants, potential negative consequences on both partners. Within this context, network analysis be a useful tool to study ecological properties plant-pollinator and evaluate outcomes conservation actions. Three measures were implemented within European LIFE + PP-ICON project support local pollinator community population rare plant Dictamnus albus in protected area near Bologna, Italy. Artificial nesting sites installed solitary bees, populations native plants reinforced increase foraging resources for pollinators, colonies bumblebees reared from wild queens released area. In work we effects these actions networks over period four years, comparing pre- (2011–2012) post-conservation (2013–2014) action period. overall generalisation increased after implementation more evenly distributed. Module composition significantly changed between two periods, showing marked rewiring interactions. D. was module hub before actions, thus emerging as an important node its own module. addition, some species directly targeted by became connectors, highlighting their importance linking different modules. Finally, reinforcement led flower visitation. These results indicate affected indirectly has potentially robustness resilience towards possible loss. This highlights ways which can used measure changes response