Epigeic Carabids (Coleoptera, Carabidae) as Bioindicators in Different Variants of Scots Pine Regeneration: Implication for Forest Landscape Management

Maintaining biodiversity is one of the factors determining proper functioning ecosystems, especially those with high human impact. Ground beetles, as bioindicators, are particularly valuable in understanding ecosystem responses and sustainability forest landscape management. Focusing on regeneration pine forests, this study aimed to describe ground beetle assemblages Scots natural artificial northeastern Poland. This was conducted between 2016 2018. Pitfall traps were set up for catching epigeic carabids previously prepared research plots designated regeneration. The areas included three variants: N—natural regeneration, without soil preparation; NP—natural traditional preparation by ploughing; A—artificial ploughing. Four replicants selected each experimental variant, six pitfall transects running through centre plot. In year study, 11 samples collected from plot; overall, 33 per plot during years. As a result 26,654 individuals belonging 89 species caught three-year observation. Natural (N) most favourable terms occurrence stabilised beetles. However, remaining methods multi-annual scale (2016–2018), contributed increase number beetles but also provided variability assemblage composition, diversity indices, life-history traits. Thus, early stage examined variants can be used fear causing damage carabid populations. further studies required investigate effect different types over longer period.