Habitat Fragmentation Did Not Affect the Composition of Braconid Wasp Communities in Tropical Lowland Forests of Panama

Abstract Background The forests along the eastern bank of the Panama Canal have been conserved for more than 200 years; however, in the last 171 years, these sites have been pressured by anthropic activities. Studies of the influence of habitat fragmentation on braconid wasp communities in Central America is scarce, showing the existing information gap on these communities required to implement strategic plans for ecosystem sustainability and conservation. This study investigated how fragmentation affects braconid wasp communities in three areas in Panama City: Metropolitan Natural Park, Albrook and Corozal. Two permanent Malaise Traps were installed in the center of each fragment and were reviewed weekly from May 2019 to March 2020. Similarity and fragmentation indices were used to demonstrate the influence of habitat fragmentation on braconid wasp communities. Results There is a decrease in the degree of fragmentation (FRAG=6.95, on a scale of 0-10). A similarity of 99% was estimated for the composition of wasp community in the fragments studied. Wasp subfamily and morphospecies assemblages were more similar between fragments of Albrook and Metropolitan Natural Park. Richness and abundance of braconid wasps observed were statistically different between the fragments studied. Conclusion Landscapes with an intermediate degree of fragmentation does not influence the composition of braconid wasp communities, reflected by high similarity between communities. Therefore, the fragments studied can be used as stepping stones to maintain remaining populations of braconid wasp communities. Monitoring is recommended to assess the effect of fragmentation on the remaining forests.