New Study Sheds Light on Arthropod Diversity in Coastal Grasslands of Portugal and the Azores
- October 11th, 2024
- Biodiversity
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New Study Sheds Light on Arthropod Diversity in Coastal Grasslands of Portugal and the Azores
A recent study comparing arthropod communities in the coastal grasslands of mainland Portugal and the Azores has provided key insights into the diversity and composition of these vital ecosystems. Coastal grasslands are known to host diverse arthropod populations, which contribute to important ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil health. However, little is known about the differences in biodiversity between island and continental environments, particularly for arthropods.
Researchers conducted a four-month study, collecting arthropods from three regions: São Miguel Island in the Azores, the Setúbal Peninsula, and the Sines region of mainland Portugal. The study aimed to explore the composition of arthropod communities, compare their diversity profiles, and investigate the possibility of density compensation—a phenomenon where fewer species on islands may exist in higher densities to compensate for lower biodiversity.
Using advanced biodiversity metrics known as Hill Numbers, the study found that while mainland Portugal exhibited greater arthropod richness than São Miguel Island, there was evidence of abundance compensation in the Azores. This suggests that while the island hosts fewer species, some of them exist in higher densities. Interestingly, many species found in the Azores were also present in mainland coastal grasslands, indicating shared species across these geographically distinct ecosystems.
These findings provide valuable insights into the functioning of island ecosystems and contribute to our understanding of how arthropod communities adapt to different environments. The research highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in both mainland and island coastal grasslands, as they play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Reference: Calado, H.R.M.G., Borges, P.A.V., Heleno, R. & Soares, A.O. (2024). A Comparative Analysis of Island vs. Mainland Arthropod Communities in Coastal Grasslands Belonging to Two Distinct Regions: São Miguel Island (Azores) and Mainland Portugal. Diversity, 16: 624. DOI: 10.3390/d16100624
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/16/10/624
For more information about the study or to arrange an interview with the research team, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Paulo A.V. Borges
Island Biodiversity, Biogeography & Conservation (IBBC)
University of Azores
Email: paulo.av.borges@uac.pt