Facilitative effects of shrubs in shifting sand on soil macro-faunal community in Horqin Sand Land of Inner Mongolia, Northern China

► Soil environment had a significant alteration under shrubs. ► The shrubs maintained significantly higher soil macro-faunal diversity. ► The abundance and richness were higher with lower diversity under C. microphylla. ► Soil microhabitats and shrub characteristics facilitate macro-fauna assemblages.