Riverine fen restoration provides secondary habitat for endangered and stenotopic rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

摘要: Peatlands have undergone dramatic changes through anthropogenic activities in the last centuries, causing a substantial loss of fen-specific biodiversity. Therefore, restoration already degraded stands is an important conservation issue. The effectiveness fen was evaluated rewetting valley river Peene, NE Germany, by comparing three types: drained fens, rewetted and near-natural fens. Rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) were used as indicators, comprising ecologically yet understudied insect group. 5,398 individuals from 121 staphylinid species recorded 30 pitfall traps per type, which biweekly emptied between April October 2012, related to environmental parameters. beetle assemblages differed markedly types. Community structure affected peat degradation, extent organic matter, water level, vegetation height. Fen favoured establishment distinct, species-rich community within 15 years only, caused increase hygrophilous wetland partially replacing generalists. Nevertheless, this time span not sufficient restore communities characteristic for harboured several particularly sensitive that found on fens. Rewetting provided suitable habitats number stenotopic threatened beetles. Thus, protection pristine along with measures are both strategies peatland conservation.