A European monitoring protocol for the stag beetle, a saproxylic flagship species

摘要: Developing protocols for threatened invertebrates is often challenging, because they are not only rare but also elusive. This the case with stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), a protected and flagship species saproxylic fauna in Europe. We applied standard transect walk at European scale (8 countries, 29 transects) to test its practicability reliability as survey design. A total of 533 sightings were recorded throughout sampling period, detection probability changed season progressed. Considering observed activity pattern, occupancy models showed that short period three consecutive weeks, between middle June first week July, resulted high (P > 0.7). As time peak varies from year sites, we propose extend five weekly surveys. Detailed information on characteristics optimal surveying analysed. The data indicate dusk provides reliable method monitoring this distributional range. No correlation was found latitude, longitude phenology sightings, however. However, such one presented, allows broadening studies, provinding evaluate efficacy conservation measures.