Evaluation of Ecosystem Functions Across Three Ecosystem Types in Afromontane Forest in Kenya

Abstract

Ecosystem functions play a crucial role in providing essential goods and services to humans, either directly or indirectly. However, anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted species composition, affecting key processes like predation and pollination. This study aimed to evaluate ecosystem functions across three ecosystem types in Taita-Taveta County, Coastal Kenya. The study focused on cloud forest (Chawia), exotic plantation (Fururu), and agricultural land in Taita Hills. Vegetation characterization and Proxies for ecosystem functions including pollination and predation activities were assessed. Twenty transects, each measuring 256m, were established per ecosystem type. Pollination was evaluated using daily pan traps, and arthropods were morphotyped. Predation was assessed using artificial caterpillar dummies set up for 24 hours over 15 days per ecosystem type. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, were performed to compare pollinator diversity and predation activity, across the ecosystem types. Results showed that Chawia forest had the highest pollinator abundance (7.71 ± 0.68), followed by agricultural land (7.16 ± 0.51) and Fururu forest (4.67 ± 0.76). Dipterans (n = 2,951, 77.97%), were the predominant pollinators, followed by Hymenopterans (n = 553, 14.61%) and Coleopterans (n = 281, 7.42%). Predation activity varied across ecosystems, with the highest activity in Chawia forest (3.97 ± 0.16), followed by agricultural land (3.56 ± 0.16), and Fururu forest (3.05 ± 0.12). In conclusion, the Chawia forest exhibited greater diversity and played a vital role in providing ecosystem functions. Exotic plants in the Fururu forest led to reduced ecosystem processes. Therefore, conserving natural forests by planting native flowering plants maintains forest integrity and promotes ecosystem functions.