Do riparian forest fragments provide ecosystem services or disservices in surrounding oil palm plantations

摘要: Agricultural expansion across tropical regions is causing declines in biodiversity and altering ecological processes. However, some agricultural systems, conserving natural habitat can simultaneously protect threatened species support important ecosystem services. Oil palm cultivation expanding rapidly throughout the tropics but extent to which non-crop supports services these landscapes poorly documented. We investigated whether riparian forest fragments (riparian reserves) provide a pest control service or increase activity (disservice) within oil dominated Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. assessed of potential predators herbivores using plasticine caterpillar mimics quantified herbivory rates on fronds areas with without reserves. also manipulated shape colour assess artificial reflect predatory response. The presence reserves increased attack rate by arthropods, not birds. Our methodological study suggested attacks better indication for birds than arthropod predators. Herbivory were significantly affected reserve, we found evidence that may decrease as size increases. Overall, conclude 30 – 50 m width each side river are unlikely service. Nevertheless, our results buffer strips do density defoliating pests, should reassure managers concerned about possible negative consequences preserving buffers.