Do space‐for‐time assessments underestimate the impacts of logging on tropical biodiversity? An Amazonian case study using dung beetles

摘要: Human alteration of the global environment is leading to a pervasive loss biodiversity. Most studies evaluating human impacts on biodiversity occur after disturbance has taken place using spatially distinct sites determine undisturbed reference condition. This approach known as space-for-time (SFT) substitution. However, SFT substitution could be underestimating if spatial controls fail provide adequate inferences about pre-disturbance conditions. We compare with before–after control–impact (BACI) by assessing dung beetles before and logging exploration in Brazilian Amazon. sampled 34 management units, which 29 were selectively logged different intensities our first collection. used beetle species richness, composition biomass response metrics gradient selective intensity explanatory metric. Only BACI consistently demonstrated negative intensification all community metrics. Moreover, explained significantly more variance relationships it doubled estimates along when compared SFT. Synthesis applications. Our results suggest that may greatly underestimate consequences local diversity turnover. These have important implications for researchers investigating Incentivizing approaches will require longer-term funding gather data stronger links between landowners. are accompanied many logistical constraints, making continued use inevitable cases. highlight non-significant weak effects should viewed caution.