Databases are a useful tool to gather ecological information and they are particularly valuable when open access for other researchers or the public is possible. Here, we present data derived from the database of a regional entomological society in the north of Germany and provide an
example of how record data of saproxylic beetles can be used to analyse the faunal composition, biogeographic distribution of species and the chronological changes in species lists of a given model region. Such data are also helpful when looking at population trends of threatened and rare species. Our results show that our study area is of particular importance for several saproxylic beetle species that are already extinct in most regions of northern Germany. The composition of the saproxylic beetle fauna in the Gartow area has changed since 1980. Over a period of almost 30 years, east and south European species in particular have been reported as new to the study area, indicating either simple range expansion or climatic changes. We conclude that the Gartow area
with its unique landscape structure