The Patterns and Processes of Insect Pollinator Re-assembly across a Post-mining Restoration Landscape

Abstract

This thesis presents an integration of in situ field studies and ex situ laboratory experiments to provide a deeper insight into the patterns and processes underpinning the reassembly of insect pollinator communities in post-mining Jarrah Forest restoration. Overall, this research highlighted the value of early successional patches and suggests that the habitat selection of some endemic insect pollinators is driven largely by their thermal tolerance, energetic requirements, and ecophysiology.