Author(s):
1. Sushma Dhakal:
Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University. Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
2. Nabin Budhathoki:
Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University. Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
3. Indra Prasad Subedi:
Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University. Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
Abstract:
Beetles are recognized as important bio-indicators of the ecosystem that can be used to determine species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. We investigated the species composition and diversity of beetles in four seasons along elevational gradients in Phulchowki hill from June 2018 to May 2019. Sampling was done using pitfall traps in five sites located at 1500 m, 1800 m, 2100 m, 2400 m, and 2700 m altitude respectively. Overall, we documented 43 morphospecies under 37 genera and 12 families from the study area. Scarabaeidae was the most dominant family whereas Onthophagus sp. 2 was the most abundant species in our study. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index, species richness and abundance were highest at 1500 m. Furthermore, diversity and species richness were highest in the spring, whereas peak beetle abundance was observed in summer. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyze the distribution patterns of the beetle families along the elevational gradients. PCA revealed a strong association of the Carabidae family with 1500 m, 1800 m, and 2100 m altitude whereas the Scarabaeidae family was mostly associated with human-influenced areas such as 1500 m and 2700 m altitude. The generalized linear model (GLM) revealed that temperature had a major impact on the overall beetle composition. Our study could set the standards for the research community to carry out conservation eforts on beetle diversity at diferent elevational ranges in the hill region.
Page(s):
49-64
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: B. Life and Environmental Sciences, Volume: 59, Issue: 2, Year: 2022
Keywords:
abundance
,
Seasonal variations
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
Species richness
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
biodiversity conservation
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
,
Pitfall traps
References:
References are not available for this document.
Citations
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