Insects used as biodiversity monitoring indicators
10 July 2018
In forest ecosystems the abundance and diversity of insects can be a good indicator of their characteristics and ecological status. Therefore, LIFE Montserrat includes insects, mainly beetle and butterfly communities, among their biodiversity monitoring indicators.
Many ways can be used to collect insect samples and measure their abundance. One of them is the direct capture using simple and easy-to-use methods, ideal for short-term results.
Specifically, LIFE Montserrat monitoring is using three different methods:
- Trap dishes. Yellow plates that capture insects that are attracted by the colour. The dishes are filled with soapy water to prevent insects from escaping.
- Pitfalls. Buried glasses placed in a way that the upper limit of the glass is levelled with the ground, so it catches the insects that fall in.
- Flight interception traps. A funnel shape net that intercepts flying insects and retain them in a container.
They are all efficient tools that allow reliable and immediate results.
These capture instruments are used in different kind of habitats within the scope of the project: burnt and non-burned areas, dense and open forests, areas with active management (through forestry or livestock activity) and without. This let us determine the most favourable conditions for a greater diversity and abundance of insects.
As a preliminary conclusion based on the results achieved to date, areas where forestry works have been carried out show higher biodiversity levels.
- Categories:
- Monitoring
- Periods:
- July
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