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A decade of change in the saproxylic beetle fauna of eucalypt logs in the Warra long-term log-decay experiment, Tasmania. 2. Log-size effects, succession, and the functional significance of rare species

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Abstract

The first decade of sequential and cyclical sampling of the saproxylic beetles of twelve freshly felled Eucalyptus obliqua logs at Warra, Tasmania has allowed comparisons between larger-diameter mature and smaller-diameter regrowth log-classes and between successive sampling cycles and years; and consideration of the interplay between these two aspects. The two log-classes support different assemblages, with the mature log-class hosting consistently more species, more unique species, and proportionally more obligately saproxylic species. Assemblages change seasonally and year-to-year, demonstrating succession. While changes in the assemblages of mature and regrowth log-classes follow similar trajectories, they remain distinct at every point in time. These differences remain apparent when considering sub-sets of the assemblages based on the rarity of the species involved, their flightedness, saproxylicity and larval feeding guild. This study suggests a need to incorporate the conservation of coarse woody debris derived from mature trees into production forestry practices. There is a particular need to devise silvicultural and/or planning systems that cater for the retention and long-term recruitment of mature trees, since these are the only source of the larger-diameter logs that were identified in this study as having particular ecological value. Through continuing the Warra long-term log-decay experiment over the next century or more, a more complete picture of the saproxylic beetle fauna will progressively emerge, together with a better understanding of the management requirements of the fauna.

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Acknowledgments

The Warra log-decay experiment was initiated in August 1999 with 3 years of funding from the Australian Research Council (C19906735). Rob Taylor (formerly Forestry Tasmania) oversaw the project formulation and design, while Caroline Mohammed (formerly CSIRO), Tim Wardlaw (FT), Alastair Richardson (formerly University of Tasmania) and Dave deLittle (formerly North Forest Products) were all involved in its early implementation. Dick Bashford (FT) designed and constructed the eclectors and carried out much other groundwork and sample collection, ably assisted (at different times) by Andy Muirhead, Billy Burton, Nita Ramsden and Alison Phillips (all FT). At FT, Belinda Yaxley, Bron Appleby and the authors of this paper (primarily LF) sorted most of the samples and mounted most of the beetles, while Marie Yee assisted the authors of this paper (primarily LF) in identifying them. Tim Wardlaw and two anonymous referees kindly provided useful comments on previous drafts of this paper.

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  1. Lynette Forster

    Present address: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 54, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia

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  1. Division of Forest Research and Development, Forestry Tasmania, GPO Box 207, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia

    Simon J. Grove & Lynette Forster

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Correspondence to Simon J. Grove.

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Grove, S.J., Forster, L. A decade of change in the saproxylic beetle fauna of eucalypt logs in the Warra long-term log-decay experiment, Tasmania. 2. Log-size effects, succession, and the functional significance of rare species. Biodivers Conserv 20, 2167–2188 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-011-0080-6

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