engleski

Mean individual biomass of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in beech forests of various ages

Mean individual biomass (MIB) of carabid species in mesophyllous beech stands of different ages (50, 80 and 150 years old) and management intensity, placed in Papuk Mountain in East Croatia, were analysed. In oldest stands management is actually absent, while in two younger ages class there is even-aged management practice. In total, 32 carabid beetle species and 1795 individuals were captured using pitfall traps placed on nine plots (three per age class) that were exposed from May to September during year 2008. The highest number of carabid species was recorded in 80 year old stands (24 species), two species less in 150 years stands, and the lowest number (15 species) in youngest stands. Shannon' diversity (H) and evenness were positively correlated with the age of stands. Ordination, as well as cluster analyses confirmed differences in carabid composition between beech forests of various ages. The youngest (50 y) and oldest (150 y) stands has grouped together within their age class, while 80 years old stands exhibit intermediate position. MIB values significantly differ between 50 and 150 year old stands, ranging from 2.3 to 12.2, respectively, with the highest numbers of large-bodied carabid species in 150 year old stands. Average MIB values of 80 year old stands were between above mentioned, although more similar to those in oldest stands. Although investigated plots are part of continuous forest area, placed just couple kilometres apart, MIB values detect significant differences associated with forest age and can be useful tool in evaluation of wilderness of forest. Hence MIB could be used as an indicator of "close to nature" managed forests.

MIB

nije evidentirano