Deadwood position matters: Diversity and biomass of saproxylic beetles in a temperate beech forest

The Potential of Artificial Snags to Promote Endangered Saproxylic Beetle Species in Bavarian Forests

“…In an experiment actively creating deadwood structures under open and closed canopy conditions, Rothacher et al [7] showed that in treatments with artificial snags, the species richness and abundances of both saproxylic and non-saproxylic beetles increased over time. In a recent study comparing the saproxylic beetle diversity of standing and lying deadwood, Zumr et al [19] found that Red List saproxylic beetles were more abundant and species-rich in snags compared to logs. In line with these results, our study confirms that artificially created snags provide important habitat components enhancing the diversity of saproxylic and non-saproxylic beetles, including rare and threatened species.…”

“…Here, we evaluated the potential of these artificially created high stumps as a management tool for increasing habitats for saproxylic beetle species in forests, with a special focus on Red List species. Previous studies from Northern and Eastern Europe already demonstrated the value of high stumps as an important habitat component for saproxylic beetles, including rare and threatened species (e.g., [18][19][20]). Our study draws a more detailed picture of the spectrum of beetles and their ecology found in the artificial snags of forests in southern German forests and assesses whether specific characteristics of high stumps (height, diameter, decay stage) or the amount of deadwood in the vicinity affected beetle diversity and the occurrence of Red List species.…”