Changes in Nothofagus pumilio forest biodiversity during the forest management cycle: Insects.

C SPAGARINO; G MARTÍNEZ PASTUR; P PERI

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

Año: 2001 p. 2077 - 2092

0960-3115

Human activities, like logging, modify the dynamics and composition of virgin forest, affectingthe equilibrium between the natural species. Nothofagus forests sustain an entomofauna that is endemic,and includes relict species of significant conservation importance. The aim of this work was to evaluatethe changes in insect diversity and abundance of a Nothofagus pumilio forest managed by a shelterwoodcut system. Insect capture was carried out using a set of traps along a horizontal and vertical gradient.Sampling was taken in day and night conditions, in post-harvesting situations and different phases of standdevelopment. The diversity and abundance of insects varied significantly during the forest cycle (definedas 100–200 years according to site quality). One morphospecies was lost every 11 years until the end ofthe forest cycle. It may be necessary to modify the current silvicultural system to one that conserves insectdiversity through a reduction in disturbance.