The use of arthropods as indicators of ecosystem integrity in forest management

Abstract

Arthropods play vital roles in various ecosystem functions and respond acutely to habitat manipulation. Diversity and community dynamics of arthropods are strongly correlated with ecosystem functioning. Arthropod community structure reflects habitat heterogeneity, as well as development and recovery of forest ecosystems after natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Arthropod community structure also reflects the degree of fragmentation and isolation of forest ecosystems on the landscape. Arthropods are good indicators of the overall biodiversity and ecosystem integrity of forests and can he used for evaluating and designing sound ecosystem management plans.