Zoological Studies

Comparing Beetle Abundance and Diversity Values along a Land Use Gradient in Tropical Africa (Oumé, Ivory Coast)

Kra Kouadio Dagobert, Jan Klimaszewsk, Doumbia Mamadou, Aidara Daouda, and Dagnogo Mamadou (2008) Beetles are an important part of global biodiversity, and they contribute to most ecological processes that sustain various ecosystems.  Their natural habitats are often influenced by human agricultural activities.  In the context of the sustainable use of natural resources in tropical countries, an investigation was conducted in Ivory Coast to study the influence of habitat modification on beetles.  A stratified sampling method was utilized.  The aim of this work was to study beetle distribution, abundance, and diversity in agroecosystems along a land degradation gradient.  This research demonstrated that beetle abundance and diversity values varied depending on land characteristics.  Mixed-crop fields supported the most abundant and diverse beetle community.  Beetle distribution and diversity are clearly affected by land transformation.