The aim of this research work is to analyse the effect of ungulates, a sort of herbivorous mammals, such as the Spanich ibex, in the arthropod communities of high Sierra Nevada, within the limits of the Natural Reserve. In addition, the Department of Animal Biology and Ecology of the University of Granada is studying the effects of mammals on plants in depth.
The internacional repercussion of these research projects has seen itself reflected in the recent publication of an article on the subject in the prestigious journal Biodiversity and Conservation. It analyses the effect of ungulates in the high mountains of Sierra Nevada. Especifically, they compare plots with and without ungulates in relation to abundance, biomass, diversity and specific composition of arthropod communities (insects and spiders, among others).
Ungulates, both domestic and wild, are one of the species with more impact in the diversity of the ecosystems in which they are present. As for their influence on arthropods, they do not only influence in epigeous, which wander about the surface during their activity. Thay also cause disparate effects on those which live in bushes.
Sierra Nevada conservation
According to José María Gómez Reyes, a UGR scientist and co-author of the article, “it is not appropiate to extrapolate the results obtained from a group of insects, a habitat or a sampling period to act as a general model”. Thus, we must study different places and for a longer time. “We have analysed two experimental areas for two or three years. If we do not increase projects and infrastructures, we will not be able to obtain clear results”.
And he adds: “It would be very interesting if we had an informative background on the functioning of Andalusian ecosystems and in the rest of Spain. It is only possible with basic research studies that make result transfer to management possible, taking into account that if we do not solve environmental problems properly, they may result in economic problems”.
Reference:
Prof. José María Gómez Reyes.
Dpt. of Animal Biology and Ecology.
Phone numbers: 958248915 – 958248590.
E-mail: mgreyes@ugr.es