Habitat modelling for the conservation of the rare ground beetle species Carabus variolosus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in the riparian zones of headwaters

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Authors

Carabus variolosus is a highly endangered insect which is listed in the EC Habitats and Species Directive. Detailed knowledge of the habitat requirements of this semi-aquatic woodland carabid beetle is needed if effective conservation and management strategies are to be developed. Previous habitat models have proved to be a successful analytical and predictive tool for the conservation of species. We conducted an intensive study over a two year period on two extant C. variolosus populations in Westphalia (Germany) using live capture pitfall traps. We analysed the distribution of the beetles over their main activity period in relation to a large number of edaphic and vegetation variables in order to estimate habitat suitability models and describe optimum ranges. C. variolosus is restricted to the fringes of water bodies and to areas of high soil moisture that display patches of bare soil, shows a slight preference for sparse tree vegetation, and avoids acidic soil. Temporal and spatial transferability of the statistically significant habitat models indicates their robustness and validity. Based on the results of our study, we suggest management measures for the conservation of C. variolosus, which promote the rehabilitation of natural flood plains of headwater areas.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBiological Conservation
Volume136
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)618-627
Number of pages10
ISSN0006-3207
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.05.2007

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors are grateful to the ABU Soest and the forestry office of the Arnsberger Wald for supporting their work and to the authorities of Arnsberg and Soest for their permission. We thank three anonymous referees for their valuable comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript. A.M. is funded by the Scholarship Programme of the German Federal Environmental Foundation, DBU.

    Research areas

  • Biology - habitat suitability model, habitat selection, carabidae, Woodland brooks, Springs Species conservation