›› 2006, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (1): 126-136.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of forestry practices and forest fragmentation on beetle diversity and conservation strategies

YU Xiao-Dong, LUO Tian-Hong, ZHOU Hong-Zhang   

  1. Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
  • Online:2006-03-03 Published:2006-02-20

Abstract:

Forest fragmentation is inextricably linked to the fate of biodiversity, resulting in the decline of abundance and species richness. Forestry, a widespread and pervasive human activity, plays an important role in forest fragmentation and reforestation. In this paper we reviewed the effects of forestry practices and forest fragmentation on beetle diversity on three ecological scales. On the small scale, forestry affects species associated with micro-habitats of natural old-growth forest, for the forest management or logging usually removes or destroys the characteristic micro-habitats. On the local scale, species richness (α-diversity) for some taxa (e.g. ground beetles) may increase after the clear-cuts, as forest generalists persist and numerous open-habitat species appear; however, some old-growth forest specialists tend to disappear from these activities. On the biogeographical scale, the intensive forestry activities (e.g. logging or reforestation with plantation) tend to homogenize forest habitats and lead to decline or extinction of sensitive forest species. Based on these findings, three reasonable advices useful for developing a “new forestry" approach were proposed, with which forest biodiversity can still be maintained under the pressure of timber harvesting. Firstly, undisturbed old-growth forests must be set aside to sustain forest specialist species and to serve as sources for re-colonization. Secondly, since the above reserves might not be enough in size and representing enough habitat types, ecologically sound timber-harvesting practices must be developed in accordance with natural disturbance regime as guidelines. Thirdly, to avoid the homogeneity of reforestation, the restoration of habitats and the process of natural regeneration must be conducted according to the rule of natural disturbance (e.g. fire).

Key words: Forestry practices, forest fragmentation, biodiversity, beetles, habitat, ecological scale, nature conservation