Carabidae diversity along an altitudinal gradient in a Peruvian cloud forest (Coleoptera)

A study of carabid beetle diversity along an altitudinal gradient in Manu National Park, Peru, revealed a significant negative correlation between species richness and altitude, with one fewer species per 100 meters increase. Out of 77 morphospecies identified, 60% are projected to be undescribed, highlighting the region's high biodiversity. Most species (70.1%) were restricted to single altitudinal sites, with only one genus, Pelmatellus, found across all five sites. Active collections yielded twice as many species per individual compared to passive methods, underscoring the importance of comprehensive sampling techniques. This first systematic study of carabid beetles in high-altitude Peruvian cloud forests emphasizes the need for conservation efforts on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes.

Maveety, S., Browne, R., & Erwin, T. (2011). Carabidae diversity along an altitudinal gradient in a Peruvian cloud forest (Coleoptera). ZooKeys, 147, 651–666. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.147.2047