globusjournal

Habitat fragmentation in tropical rainforests presents complex effects on insect communities and ecosystem function. We review experimental and observational studies -including the Amazon’s Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project – highlighting negative impacts at local scales (α-diversity decline, disrupted trophic and pollination networks), while noting that fragmentation can, under certain conditions, increase β- and γ-diversity across landscapes. We discuss functional ecology, edge effects, disturbance regimes, and ecosystem services. We conclude by proposing integrated conservation strategies that reconcile patch size, connectivity, and functional diversity to protect insect-mediated processes.

Keywords: Habitat Fragmentation, Tropical Rainforests, Ecosystem.