Canadian Forest Service Publications
Logging and boreal ground-beetle assemblages on two continents: implications for conservation. 1993. Niemelä, J.; Spence, J.R.; Langor, D.W.; Haila, Y.; Tukia, H. Pages 29-50 (Vol. Chapter 2) in K.J. Gaston, T.R. New, and M.J. Samways, editors. Perspectives on insect conservation. Intercept Limited, Andover, United Kingdom.
Year: 1993
Issued by: Northern Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 20403
Language: English
Availability: Order paper copy (free), PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
The effects of clear-cutting on assemblages of carabids were studied in boreal forest in Alberta and Finland by comparing pitfall samples from young, regenerating forests and natural, primary forests. More than half (15) of the 26 genera, but only 4 of the 108 species, were shared between the 2 continents. On both continents, carabid abundance was greatest in the youngest regenerating sites (1-10 years since cutting) and in certain types of primary forest. Species richness and diversity were higher in regenerating sites than in primary forest on both continents. Three types of numerical responses of species to logging were distinguished: species of open habitat appeared and/or increased in abundance; forests generalists were not dramatically affected and occurred in all or most forest types; and primary forest specialists disappeared after forest cutting. Most species in each of the 3 groups were taxonomically closely related on the 2 continents. It is suggested that biotic diversity can be maintained throughout the boreal forest by a general management approach that maximizes habitat diversity on a regional scale. However, knowledge of local conditions and fauna will be essential to conserve specific assemblages of litter-dwelling invertebrates.