Diversity within the Collembola community in fragmented coppice forests in south-western France

Abstract

In order to assess major characteristics of Collembola community diversity in fragmented coppice forests, a total of eighty soil samples were collected in sixteen plots that were representative of oak forest management practices, vegetation development after logging, and fragmentation in south-western France. Forty-seven species were recorded, but the community was dominated by two generalist species (Folsomiu quadrioculuta and Isotoma notabilis). The ecological classification of the species showed a dominance of forest generalist species. Forest specialist species were scarce, with open habitat species being less frequent and less abundant than might have been expected from this large area of forest frequently disturbed by clear-cuts. Correspondence factor analysis revealed that the communities were loosely structured. The three first factors were analysed: factor 1 was correlated with euedaphic habitats and extreme habitats; factor 2 was correlated with water content of habitats; and factor 3 was correlated with logging methods. However, a hierarchical classification showed that the majority of plots were structurally similar and could be considered as representative of this community. The recurrent disturbances caused by logging and fragmentation have standardised the communities by eliminating forest specialist species, which are more vulnerable to alteration of habitats.