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Research Profile
Ground-dwelling beetles in Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
before and after mammal pest eradication
Corinne Watts, M.Sc.
Landcare Research
Hamilton
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| FIG 1: Enarsus bakewelli (Colydiidae) |
A survey of the ground-dwelling beetles was carried out in Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) to determine the changes that have occurred in the beetle communities within KWS since the predator-proof fence was constructed and mammalian pests (excluding mice) have been eradicated.
Pre-eradication beetle samples were collected in 1998/99; mammal pests were eradicated in September 1999, then post-eradication sampling occurred in 2002, 3 years later. In 2002, samples were also collected from outside the Sanctuary at Otari/Wilton's Bush (non-treatment site) to compare with those collected in KWS.
Beetles (e.g., Fig 1) within KWS and Otari-Wilton's Bush were sampled using ten pitfall traps. Perhaps contrary to expectations, beetles (both, in terms of activity density and number of species) did not increase after mammal eradication.
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| Fig 2: Paralissotes reticulates (Lucanidae) |
However, the beetle community sampled at KWS has changed in composition after mammals have been eradicated (excluding mice). Also, there has been an increase in large (>30mm) beetles in KWS (e.g., Fig 2).
Interpreting the changes in the beetle community after mammal eradication (excluding mice) at KWS is difficult. Factors affecting the beetle fauna are complex, and interactions within the ecosystems are largely unknown. The high densities of mice within the Sanctuary after the eradication of their mammalian predators and competitors, and the high number of ground feeding insectivorous birds present (including translocated pateke (brown teal), weka, tieke (saddleback), North Island robin and kiwi) may both or separately account for the lack of change in the activity densities of beetles.
Profile After completing an M.Sc. in Zoology from Victoria University, Corinne worked on a temporary contract for the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. She is currently an Invertebrate Ecologist at Landcare Research (Hamilton) and is completing a PhD from University of Canterbury, where she is examining the restoration of invertebrate communities in a mined Restiad peat bog. |
Further monitoring of the invertebrate fauna both inside and outside the fence is planned for the future to better understand the changes that are occurring. This project is now well set up for a post-mouse eradication comparison.
Papers & Presentations
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Technical Summary, (pdf format, 369 kB).
Related Links
Acknowledgments
This research was made possible through funding from Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, with Landcare Research NSOF funding.
Article Ref #0003
Published June 26, 2004
Updated Oct 8, 2004
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