Diversity, Composition and Distribution Patterns of Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in Sand Forest, South Africa

ABSTRACT Spiders are the dominant representative of the top predator guild in many terrestrial ecosystems, but their diversity and distribution in forests in South Africa are still understudied. This study aimed to determine ground‐dwelling spider diversity, composition and distribution patterns in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:African journal of ecology 2024-12, Vol.62 (4), p.n/a
Main Authors: Hlongwane, Zabentungwa Thakasile, Munyai, Thinandavha Caswell, Majola, Olwethu, Dippenaar‐Schoeman, Anna Sophia, Lagendijk, D. D. Georgette
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arachnida
biodiversity
Check lists
Composition
conservation
Distribution patterns
Endangered species
Food chains
Food webs
Forest management
Forests
Game animals
Game preserves
Geographical distribution
habitat
Habitats
Licuáti forest
Pitfall traps
Population distribution
Sand
sand forest
savanna
Savannahs
Species richness
Spiders
Terrestrial ecosystems
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Summary:ABSTRACT Spiders are the dominant representative of the top predator guild in many terrestrial ecosystems, but their diversity and distribution in forests in South Africa are still understudied. This study aimed to determine ground‐dwelling spider diversity, composition and distribution patterns in both sand forest and savanna (and their ecotone) using pitfall traps and to provide a spider species checklist for these three habitats in Phinda Private Game Reserve. A total of 410 individuals from 64 species and 21 families were recorded from the three habitat types. The Lycosidae family and Pardosa crassipalpis were the most dominant family and species. Spider abundances were similar between sand forest and the ecotone, but lower in savanna. However, species richness was similar across habitats. Spider species assemblages were similar between sand forest and the ecotone, but differed from the species assemblages in savanna. Spiders play an important role in food webs both below‐ and aboveground. Therefore, determining their diversity and distribution contributes to the overall understanding of the ecosystem in addition to promoting conservation efforts of key habitats such as the critically endangered sand forest.
ISSN:0141-6707
1365-2028
DOI:10.1111/aje.13334