Saproxylic beetle assemblages on low stumps, high stumps and logs: Implications for environmental effects of stump harvesting

The aim of this study was to evaluate how future harvesting of spruce low stumps as a renewable energy source, might influence the saproxylic (wood living) beetle fauna. Species richness, abundance and assemblages of saproxylic beetles were compared on low stumps, high stumps and logs of spruce on 10 clear-cuts in northern Sweden. The sampling was conducted with emergence traps and a total of 929 individuals and 120 species were collected. No significant differences in beetle abundance or species richness were detected between substrate types. However, there were clear differences in assemblage composition between all substrate types. Our results suggest that low stumps created at final felling support as many species and individuals per volume dead wood as other dead wood substrates and that they are therefore overlooked as substrates for wood living organisms. Consequently, harvesting of low stumps might have negative effects on the diversity of saproxylic beetles, as up to 80% of the dead wood remaining on clear-cuts is in the form of low stumps. Future studies should evaluate if compensatory measures can be performed to minimize negative impacts.

Research highlights▶ Low stumps produces as many saproxylic beetles per volume as other dead wood substrates. ▶ Low stumps are therefore overlooked as substrates for wood living organisms. ▶ Up to 80% of the dead wood remaining on clear-cuts is in the form of low stumps. ▶ Harvesting of low stumps might therefore have negative effects on saproxylic diversity.