The 1st European Stag Beetle Survey: preliminary results

摘要: The survey method is based on the detection of stag beetle during their flight period along predefined walk transects. A total of 29 transects across Europe (within 15 different study areas), of the same length, was designed and the observations took place, at the same time, from the 21 th May to 25 th August 2012, with a weekly frequency. In each transect the number and position of flying males, females, remains and dead individuals were registered. Some atmospheric and environmental parameters were registered.A total of 700 sightings resulted for the whole observation period. The dataset have been analyzed and preliminary results obtained. From methodological point of view, the overall detection probability, seasonal and spatial variation in detectability and occupancy were calculated. The distribution of remains vs. distribution of living beetles was estimated. Simply models for survey optimization were tested. From biological point of view the parameters analyzed were: phenological variation, population size, activity patterns in relation to sunset time, abundance in relation to habitat, weather relationship with activity patterns.