Changes in the Nothofagus pumilio forest biodiversity along the forest management: 1.Insects

SPAGARINO C.R.; MARTINEZ PASTUR G.; PERI P.L.

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

SPRINGER

Año: 2001 vol. 10 p. 2077 - 2092

0960-3115

Human activities, like logging, modify the dynamics and composition of virgin forest, affecting the equilibrium between the natural species. Nothofagus forests sustain an associate entomofauna, that is specific, endemic, or includes relict species of enormous scientific interest. The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in insect diversity (species richness and abundance) of a Nothofagus pumilio forest managed by a shelterwood cut system. Insect capture was carried out with a set of traps along a horizontal and vertical gradient, in day and night conditions, in post-harvesting situations and phases of stand development. The diversity and abundance of insects varied significantly during the forest cycle. One species was lost every 11 years until the end of the forest cycle. It may be necessary to modify silvicultural systems to maintain insect diversity to a system that conserves their biodiversity by being able to resist the disturbance factors that could endanger it.