The role of niche availability as a factor determining the diversity and abundance of invertebrates on Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris

Abstract

We review aspects of invertebrate biodiversity relevant to the management of Scots pine forests. At a landscape level, the area occupied by the host tree species, the length of time that species has been present, and the taxonomic relatedness of the host to other trees, all influence invertebrate biodiversity. At a stand level, tree size and above-ground architecture affect the number of niches available. Consideration needs to be given to the various feeding guilds since they exploit different components of these niches. Although there have been few published studies of invertebrate numbers in relation to niche availability in Scots pine, it would appear that the deadwood habitat is underrepresented in Scots pine forests and increasing the availability of this niche would enhance invertebrate biodiversity. An issue for managers is the need to distinguish between increasing total biodiversity and the encouragement of rare species with particular niche requirements which may also be dependent upon the continuity of that niche within a landscape.