A1 Journal article (refereed)
Functional structure of European forest beetle communities is enhanced by rare species (2022)

Burner, R. C., Drag, L., Stephan, J. G., Birkemoe, T., Wetherbee, R., Muller, J., Siitonen, J., Snäll, T., Skarpaas, O., Potterf, M., Doerfler, I., Gossner, M. M., Schall, P., Weisser, W. W., & Sverdrup-Thygeson, A. (2022). Functional structure of European forest beetle communities is enhanced by rare species. Biological Conservation, 267, Article 109491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109491

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Burner, Ryan C.; Drag, Lukas; Stephan, Jörg G.; Birkemoe, Tone; Wetherbee, Ross; Muller, Jörg; Siitonen, Juha; Snäll, Tord; Skarpaas, Olav; Potterf, Mária; et al.

Journal or series: Biological Conservation

ISSN: 0006-3207

eISSN: 1873-2917

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 267

Article number: 109491

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109491

Research data link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5950610

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79841

Abstract

Biodiverse communities have been shown to sustain high levels of multifunctionality and thus a loss of species likely negatively impacts ecosystem functions. For most taxa, however, roles of individual species are poorly known. Rare species, often most likely to go extinct, may have unique traits and functional roles. Alternatively, rare species may be functionally redundant, such that their loss would not disrupt ecosystem functions. We quantified the functional role of rare species by using captures of wood-living (saproxylic) beetle species, combined with recent databases of morphological and ecological traits, from three regions in central and northern Europe. Using a rarity index based on species' local abundance, geographic range, and habitat breadth, we used local and regional species removal simulations to examine the contributions of both the rarest and the most common beetle species to three measures of community functional structure: functional richness, functional specialization, and functional originality. Both regionally and locally, all three measures declined more rapidly when rare species were removed than under common (or random) species removal scenarios. These consistent patterns across scales and among forest types give evidence that rare species provide unique functional contributions, and their loss may disproportionately impact ecosystem functions. This implies that conservation measures targeting rare and endangered species, such as preserving intact forests with dead wood and mature trees, can provide broader ecosystem-level benefits. Experimental research linking functional structure to ecosystem processes should be prioritized to increase understanding of the functional consequences of species loss and to develop more effective conservation strategies.

Keywords: forest ecosystems; functionality; biotic communities; beetles; endangered species; biodiversity

Free keywords: Coleoptera; Community functional structure; Ecosystem function; Extinction; Functional traits; Rarity

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 2