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Published on: November 13, 2017
Developing a monitoring program for invertebrates: guidelines and a case study
Jason R Rohr1, Carolyn G Mahan, Ke Chung Kim
1Penn State Institutes of the Environment and Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, 501 A.S.I. Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. jrohr@psu.edu
Summary
Developing effective invertebrate monitoring programs is crucial for ecosystem services. This study proposes a procedure using biodiversity surrogates, like arthropods, to efficiently track invertebrate populations in forests.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Invertebrates are vital for ecosystem services but often overlooked in conservation efforts.
- Current monitoring and management primarily focus on vertebrates and flowering plants, lacking specific invertebrate guidelines.
- Species-rich invertebrate communities require tailored monitoring strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a procedure for developing monitoring programs for species-rich invertebrates.
- To identify biodiversity surrogates and efficient monitoring methods for invertebrates.
- To create a model for linking invertebrate monitoring to ecosystem functions and management.
Main Methods:
- Characterized invertebrate communities and identified biodiversity surrogates.
- Employed biodiversity-based statistical methods and arthropod surveys.
- Utilized ordination analyses to match taxa with effective sampling methods.
Main Results:
- Mixed hardwood and hemlock forests showed distinct arthropod compositions.
- Coleoptera and Hymenoptera proved effective biodiversity surrogates for arthropods.
- The beat-sheet method was the most efficient for monitoring the chosen surrogate assemblage.
Conclusions:
- The proposed procedure provides a robust framework for invertebrate monitoring.
- Arthropods serve as effective surrogates for predicting overall invertebrate diversity.
- This approach facilitates the integration of invertebrate monitoring into broader ecosystem management strategies.
