Effects of forest fragmentation on the beetle assemblage at the relict forest of Fray Jorge, Chile

摘要: Habitat fragmentation is recognized as one of the main factors associated with species extinction and particularly acute in South American forest habitats. In this study, we examined effects on beetle assemblage at relict temperate Fray Jorge (Chile). We evaluated following hypotheses: (1) there a strong edge effect, so that number individuals increases away from edge, towards inner part each fragment, (2) pattern should be apparent larger fragments but not smaller ones, where are expected to stronger, (3) significant interaction between species/individuals found inside outside (i.e., matrix) season, because an increase aridity water stress during austral summer months. relationship vs distance matrix interior was affected by fragment size season. general, both tended then either decrease, or maintain constant level, depending The result ANOVA analysis, which used size, position (inside fragments) response variable, showed effect position, season position. analysis using variable area, all had effects. results also Our emphasize existence fragment-size seasonal modulating beetles their abundance distribution areas. Thus, dynamic can paramount importance demonstrate understand habitat upon arthropod assemblages