From air and from ground: modern photogrammetry and soil analysis in assessing factors influencing the biodiversity of pollinators (Diptera: Syrphidae)

The loss of biodiversity is considered one of the most serious threats of modern age. The vast majority of species facing extinction belongs to insufficiently studied invertebrate taxa. Loss of species causes loss of functional diversity and affects ecosystem services, often with consequences for human well-being. More specifically, the loss of pollinator species can lead to a decrease in the productivity of many crops, thus affecting not only the global biodiversity, but also economy.
In our study, we focus on hoverflies, Dipteran family being considered the second-most significant group of pollinators after bees. Here we used two different approaches, obtaining information from air and from ground, in order to assess different parameters that might have influence on the diversity of Syrphids. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) photogrammetry and image processing were used to acquire landscape parameters. As for the information on soil composition, both chemical and granulometric analysis were conducted.
The application of combined modern analyses might help in revealing the factors influencing the biodiversity of this important pollinator group, which would remain hidden if only traditional methods were used. This type of results could contribute in determining the threatening factors not only for hoverflies, but for biodiversity in general, thus attributing in alleviating the negative consequences on ecosystem functioning.