Author(s): Talavera, J. A.
Title: Pine forest earthworms from Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria)
Year: 2007
Volume: 53
Pages: 157-167.
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Abstract: Autochthonous pine forests in the Canary Islands are host to a limited number of earthworms, among which the lumbricids are the dominant group in presence and abundance. 13 species have been identified, of which Allolobophora chlorotica, Aporrectodea rosea bimastoides, Lumbricus rubellus, Microscolex dubius, M. phosphoreus and Ocnerodrilus occidentalis are new records for Gran Canaria, while Aporrectodea trapezoides is new for Pinus canariensis woodlands from Tenerife. The first original data on the distribution of each species in coniferous forests are also presented, establishing significant faunistic differences; the more southerly dry pine woodlands are typically inhabited by Aporrectodea rosea bimastoides and Microscolex dubius, while the more humid forests have a fauna richer in species like Allolobophora chlorotica, Lumbricus rubellus, and Octodrilus complanatus, which may be considered good indicators of natural potential forest areas. The high calcium and potassium levels, slightly acidic pH and up to 18.5% organic matter of the studied andosols and/or brown soils appear to influence the earthworm fauna composition and distribution in Pinus canariensis forest.
Keywords: distribution, ecology, earthworms fauna, pine forest, Canaries
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Bakonyi, G., Mahunka, S., Papp, L., Báldi, A., Csuzdi, Cs. & Forró, L.