Preliminary biodiversity assessment of potential Significant Natural Areas in Selwyn District, using ground beetles and other beetles collected in pitfall traps as indicator groups

Abstract

Selwyn District stretches from the Southern Alps to the East Coast of the South Island, encompassing a range of native habitat from inland beech forests and alpine areas, through remnant lowland forest in the foothills, and across the highly modified Canterbury Plains to remnant coastal habitat. In order to protect and preserve as much native biodiversity as possible, it is necessary to identify those Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) that provide habitat for as many native species as possible. The aim of this study was to sample a group of invertebrates, which might act as an indicator group for invertebrate biodiversity as a whole, to determine those areas of native habitat that support high species diversity within this group. Areas thus identified as SNAs could then be accorded priority for protection and possible restoration.