Original scientific paper
Variations of Carabid Beetle and Ant Assemblages, and their Morpho-ecological Traits within Natural Temperate Forests in Medvednica Nature Park
Lucija Šerić Jelaska
orcid.org/0000-0003-1840-7119
; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Ana Ješovnik
; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Sven D. Jelaska
; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Aljoša Pirnat
; Kamnik (Slovenia)
Mladen Kučinić
; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Paula Durbešić
; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate responses of ant and carabid assemblages and their morpho-ecological traits to habitat differences within natural temperate forests in Medvednica Nature Park. Toquantify ha bitat differences in examined areas, both structural heterogeneity of the vege tation and taxonomic diversity of plants were measured on six plots.
Habitat complexity was quantified using four habitat characteristics wit hin the site: tree canopy cover; shrub canopy cover; ground herbs and leaf lit ter cover. Ants and carabids were sampled using pitfall traps.
Ant species richness and abundance, unlike carabid species richness were positively correlated with habitat complexity, especially with leaf litter cover on plots. The responses of insects morpho-ecological traits to habitat were recor ded, with more large bodied carabids present in more complex site and higher abundance of opportunist ant species in more open sites with low complexity of vegetation. Higher dominance of certain carabid species at the lower plots then those on the top of the mountain, suggest competitive exclusion, confirming lower areas as more stable. Species adapted to colder climate, that inhabit hig her elevations such as flightless forest specialist Cychrus caraboidesandCara-bus irregularis, and boreo-montane ant species Camponotus herculeanus, are less competent to colonize lower areas. Furthermore, they may not survive se vere instability of their habitats, especially in a changing climate. Overall results suggest that conservation issues need to be focused on preserving stability and structural complexity of forest habitat in summit areas of the mountain.
Keywords
altitude; biodiversity; forest habitat; litter; nature conservation; vegetation structure
Hrčak ID:
60007
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2010.
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