Community forest management in southern Mexico: A sustainable practice for the maintenance of beetle assemblages?

Abstract

We evaluated changes in the diversity, structure, and composition of dung and carrion beetle species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in a landscape under community forest management in southern Mexico. Baited pit-fall traps were set with pig dung and squid carrion in areas with different forest treatment. In total, we recorded 3,608 individuals and 21 species of Scarabaeinae. We registered a greater number of species in areas without intervention and significant changes in beetle species composition among sites. Two generalist beetles (Ontherus mexicanus and Onthophagus cyanellus) accounted for 51% of the total abundance. Our results indicate that the relative effect of forest management on beetle assemblage is proportional to the intensity of cutting. The negative impact on beetle communities may contravene a silvicultural model, since the gradual loss of species at the local level could generate significant impacts on ecosystem functionality in the long term. It is a matter of urgency to establish monitoring schemes to assess the status of biodiversity components, in order to ensure a sustainable community management in forest areas in southern Mexico.