Using staphylinid and tenebrionid beetles as indicators of sustainable landscape management in Australia: a review
K. F. MichaelsSchool of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 78, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia. Email: k.michaels@utas.edu.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(4) 435-449 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06197
Submitted: 16 November 2006 Accepted: 18 January 2007 Published: 9 March 2007
Abstract
The review examines a range of global literature concerning the beetle families Staphylinidae and Tenebrionidae, to evaluate their potential as indicators of sustainable landscape management in the Australian context. Both beetle families are diverse, widespread, easily collected and functionally important in a wide range of habitats in Australia. Both families are responsive to changes in environmental conditions, although the nature of the response depends on the environmental condition and often on the individual species. The response of staphylinids and tenebrionids to environmental change has reflected that of other invertebrate species or groups in some instances. Sustainability indicators need to be linked to management objectives and land managers need to be involved in the indicator selection process. Sampling, identification and assessment methods designed to match land managers’ capabilities should result in an increase in the use of staphylinids and tenebrionids as sustainability indicators.
Additional keywords: darkling beetles, fire, pollution, restoration, rove beetles.
Acknowledgements
I thank the two anonymous referees for their insightful and helpful comments on the draft manuscript. I also thank Ecological Society of Australia members and other Australian researchers for their valuable contribution to data collection. In particular, I thank Scott Lassau and Alan York.
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