Effect of urbanization on centipede (Chilopoda) diversity in the Wielkopolska-Kujawy Lowlands of western Poland

Abstract

Over fifty years of research data from various sources were compiled and analyzed in order to determine the effect of urbanization on centipede diversity in the Wielkopolska-Kujawy Lowlands of western Poland. Urbanization has had a significant effect on species composition and community structures. However, it has not reduced overall species richness and diversity in the centipede fauna. The centipede fauna from built-up areas was found to be rich and varied. The habitats with the highest levels of species richness were the city of Poznań and the beech forests in the surrounding region. © 2008 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.