Abstract
ABSTRACT Tree species diversity is important to maintain saproxylic beetle diversity in managed forests. Yet, knowledge about the conservational importance of single tree species and implications for forest management and conservation practices are lacking. We exposed freshly cut branch‐bundles of 42 tree species, representing tree species native and non‐native to Europe, under sun‐exposed and shaded conditions for 1 year. Afterwards, communities of saproxylic beetles were reared ex situ for 2 years. We tested for the impact of tree species and sun exposure on alpha‐, beta‐, and gamma‐diversity as well as composition of saproxylic beetle communities. Furthermore, the number of colonised tree species by each saproxylic beetle species was determined. Tree species had a lower impact on saproxylic beetle communities compared to sun exposure. The diversity of saproxylic beetles varied strongly among tree species, with highest alpha‐ and gamma‐diversity found in Quercus petraea. Red‐listed saproxylic beetle species occurred ubiquitously among tree species. We found distinct differences in the community composition of broadleaved and coniferous tree species, native and non‐native tree species as well as sun‐exposed and shaded deadwood. Our study enhances the understanding of the importance of previously understudied and non‐native tree species for the diversity of saproxylic beetles. To improve conservation practices for saproxylic beetles and especially red‐listed species, we suggest a stronger incorporation of tree species diversity and sun exposure of into forest management strategies, including the enrichment of deadwood from native and with a specific focus on locally rare or silviculturally less important tree species.
Highlights
Human impacts have modified forest ecosystems worldwide (Newbold et al, 2015)
To improve conservation practices for saproxylic beetles and especially red-listed species, we suggest a stronger incorporation of tree species diversity and sun exposure of into forest management strategies, including the enrichment of deadwood from native and with a specific focus on locally rare or silviculturally less important tree species
Even if the tree species was of less importance compared to sun exposure, it had a significant impact on communities of saproxylic beetles
Summary
Human impacts have modified forest ecosystems worldwide (Newbold et al, 2015). Intensive logging, altered disturbance regimes, and changes in forest structure have resulted in massive declines of ecological key elements, in EuropeEditor: Raphael Didham; Associate Editor: Mats Jonsell (Lindenmayer et al, 2008; Lindenmayer et al, 2012; Thorn et al, 2020). Human impacts have modified forest ecosystems worldwide (Newbold et al, 2015). Intensive logging, altered disturbance regimes, and changes in forest structure have resulted in massive declines of ecological key elements, in Europe. Dead and moribund trees have been extracted, as they were considered to be a waste of resources and to serve as a hatchery of forest pathogens (Cotta, 1865; Grove, 2002). Forest management practices have decreased the diversity of native tree species, for instance, by the establishment of coniferous tree plantations (Schelhaas et al, 2003) and the parallel introduction of various non-native tree species (Richardson & Rejmánek, 2011; Savill, 2015).
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