Comparison of mammal richness, abundance and activity patterns between habitats dominated by Quercus robur and Eucalyptus sp., pure and mixed, in the province of Pontevedra
Authorship
R.G.G.
Master in Terrestrial biodiversity: characterization, conservation and management
R.G.G.
Master in Terrestrial biodiversity: characterization, conservation and management
Defense date
09.12.2025 11:30
09.12.2025 11:30
Summary
Currently, there are numerous studies on the effects of introducing eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) into areas where it is not native, indicating widespread negative impacts on biodiversity in these regions. However, most of the existing information deals with comparisons between natural forests and plantations, with little mention of habitats with mixed characteristics between the two. Therefore, this study will evaluate the differences in mammal communities present in natural Quercus robur forests (CP), Q. robur forests mixed with Eucalyptus globulus (CM), abandoned E. globulus plantations, or those with little forest management (EM), and E. globulus monocultures (EP). To this end, camera trapping techniques were used at 40 sampling points (10 per habitat) in the province of Pontevedra (Spain), with the aim of evaluating the difference in diversity, abundance, communities, and activity of mammals between habitats. The results showed significant differences between oak and eucalyptus forests (although EM showed similarities with oak forests in terms of richness), but not between mixed and pure habitats of the same type, with hardly any differences at the specific level. The results indicate an absence of degradation of mammal communities along a forest integrity gradient, showing that mixed forest habitats can provide better conditions than eucalyptus monocultures, which may be associated with the vegetation that accompanies forests, favoring the availability of food and shelter necessary for mammal communities.
Currently, there are numerous studies on the effects of introducing eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) into areas where it is not native, indicating widespread negative impacts on biodiversity in these regions. However, most of the existing information deals with comparisons between natural forests and plantations, with little mention of habitats with mixed characteristics between the two. Therefore, this study will evaluate the differences in mammal communities present in natural Quercus robur forests (CP), Q. robur forests mixed with Eucalyptus globulus (CM), abandoned E. globulus plantations, or those with little forest management (EM), and E. globulus monocultures (EP). To this end, camera trapping techniques were used at 40 sampling points (10 per habitat) in the province of Pontevedra (Spain), with the aim of evaluating the difference in diversity, abundance, communities, and activity of mammals between habitats. The results showed significant differences between oak and eucalyptus forests (although EM showed similarities with oak forests in terms of richness), but not between mixed and pure habitats of the same type, with hardly any differences at the specific level. The results indicate an absence of degradation of mammal communities along a forest integrity gradient, showing that mixed forest habitats can provide better conditions than eucalyptus monocultures, which may be associated with the vegetation that accompanies forests, favoring the availability of food and shelter necessary for mammal communities.
Direction
Velo Antón, Guillermo (Tutorships)
Calviño Cancela, María (Co-tutorships)
Velo Antón, Guillermo (Tutorships)
Calviño Cancela, María (Co-tutorships)
Court
Ortiz Nuñez, Santiago (Chairman)
PARADELO NUÑEZ, REMIGIO (Secretary)
OTERO PEREZ, XOSE LOIS (Member)
Ortiz Nuñez, Santiago (Chairman)
PARADELO NUÑEZ, REMIGIO (Secretary)
OTERO PEREZ, XOSE LOIS (Member)