Example of a forest edge Image: Nicholas Fountain-Jones

This project will critically appraise and test “forest influence”, a poorly understood ecological concept that is pivotal to the sustainable management of forestry in Tasmania and across the world. We will specifically investigate the processes by which beetles can recolonise disturbed areas from adjacent mature old growth forests. This project will use new knowledge regarding the taxonomy and systematics of the local log-dwelling beetle fauna, and the ability to quickly document the species composition of pitfall trap samples using DNA barcodes and species delimitation models. This project is made up of four interlinking sections: 1. Beetle community structure and forest influence: This will look at the “forest influence” effect on beetle community dynamics in Southern Tasmania. In total, the design for this project includes 15 sites that have been selected in a chronosequence of 3 age classes. Beetle communities will be sampled using pitfalls located on transects across mature/clearfell boundaries. 2. Beetle dispersal mechanism experiment: Will assess the mechanisms that drive dispersal of beetles into recently clear-felled areas with a particular focus on shading and litter structure and chemistry. The experiment will consist of a factorial design, with four litter treatments (no litter, wet sclerophyll litter, dry sclerophyll litter, and artificial litter created from shredded plastic) by two microclimate treatments (shade sail or no shade sail). The sclerophyll and mixed litter used will be sterilized using Methyl Bromide fumigation. A single pitfall trap will be placed in the centre of each treated area. 3. Beetle Morphometrics: Will analyse forest beetle morpho-metrics and look at the efficacy of the MIB (Mean Individual Biomass) concept. Length, wing surface area, and head morphology will be recorded of a variety of beetle groups will be analysed from the beetle community data collected. 4. DNA barcoding and species delimitation models: Will look at the application of accelerated species inventory from DNA barcodes and the application of the general mixed Yule-coalescent model (GMYC) to saproxylic beetles in Tasmania.