Entomology, Ornithology & Herpetology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Soil Parameters on the Distribution of Soil Fauna from Roadside Trees at Three Elevations in Mauritius

Jawaheer Z, Singh HR and Ganeshan S

The effect of soil parameters on the distribution of soil fauna was carried out in Mauritius during summer from November 2012 to April 2013. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of soil fauna of roadside trees at three elevations in Mauritius. Soil fauna were collected utilizing pitfall traps made of plastic cups at three different elevations (Flic en Flac, 5 m; Rose-Hill, 221 m; and Mare aux Vacoas, 569 m). Traps were placed among Casuarina equisetifolia (5m), Dictyosperma album (221 m) and Pinus sylvestris (569 m) trees. A total of 18730 individuals were sampled of which 10740 individuals were sampled at 5 m, 5293 individuals at 221 m and 2697 individuals at 569 m. Significant difference was recorded between study sites and months when considering humidity, temperature, soil carbon content and soil moisture (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was recorded between months when considering soil pH and soil calcium (p>0.05) but significant difference was recorded between study sites (p<0.05). Principal component analysis extracted 18 out of 24 soil fauna species. Preference of soil fauna for higher levels of certain soil parameters was observed. Higher Shannon Weiner Diversity Index and Evenness were recorded at Mare aux Vacoas, while higher Margalef Index was recorded at Rose-Hill. This index was used to quantify the species richness. This study can be useful in determining soil fauna distribution and their specificity as such data has implications for biological control as well as for collection of specific insects. Moreover, this study also has implications for town planners with respect to planting roadside trees and their ensuing edaphic communities for managing insect pests. Moreover, the soil fauna species richness and community structure from roadside trees located at different elevations in Mauritius were also considered.