Impact of Clearcutting on Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in a Norway Spruce Forest

Abstract

The research was conducted in Veľká Fatra Mountains, Slovakia. Pitfall traps were installed in the forest and in the glade. Overall, 20 species of beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) were recorded. In the forest, 1532 individuals belonging to 13 species were recorded. Trechus pulpani had the highest abundance in the forest and represents almost half of all individuals. Paradoxically, on the glade, the numbers of species slightly increased, but their abundance was significantly lower. We recorded only 143 individuals belonging to 16 species. Of the forest species, only Carabus violaceus and Pterostichus unctulatus retained a dominant position, but their abundance has decreased by more than 70%.