Epigaeic beetle communities of the Green Triangle plantation landscape, southern Australia: Effect of remnant size, vegetation quality and structural complexity

Abstract

SummaryAcross the Green Triangle plantation landscape of south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria there remain remnant patches of native vegetation which vary considerably in both size and vegetation quality. This study focused on how the vegetation quality and or size of remnants embedded within the bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus) plantation landscape influence the local ground-dwelling Coleoptera (beetle) assemblages found within them. The aim was to particularise those remnant characteristics (in terms of size and vegetation quality) that are likely to result in the most effective protective management of local remnant beetle biodiversity. Pitfall sampling was carried out ov..