Carabids of differently aged reforested pinewoods and a natural pine forest in a historically modified landscape

摘要: Abstract We studied the responses of carabid beetles to Pinus sylvestris ageing in four plantations aged 2–3, 10–12, 40–45 and 80 years, one mature natural pine forest – NW Spain. In 2003, a total 16,866 individuals (50 species) were collected using pitfall traps. Overall abundance species richness differed significantly among five age classes with highest values occurring youngest class. The assemblages initial stages sequence considerably from later that relatively similar each other consequence differences dominance at specific classes. Yet, assemblage 80-year-old stage did not approach forest, but, unexpectedly, 40–45-year-old class did. Canopy cover soil pH main environmental variables affected distribution. also detected species-level process, open habitat more abundantly specialists older stages. conclude responded predictably plantation although forests Spain do seem provide for unique species, they act as secondary habitats specialist species.