International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Taxonomic Composition and Functional Diversity of Ground-Dwelling Macroinvertebrates in Western Ghat, Maharashtra, India

Author(s) Ms. Anupama Bharat Pawar, Dr. Gajanan K. Sontakke, Dr. Bharati S. Wali
Country India
Abstract Soil and ground-dwelling macroinvertebrates are essential components of ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, decomposition, and biological regulation. The present study, conducted during 2024, assessed the diversity of macroinvertebrates in a heterogeneous landscape with a focus on their taxonomic representation and ecological roles. A total of 126 individuals were documented, representing 28 species across 17 orders. Coleoptera was the most diverse order with eight species, followed by Orthoptera with three species, while most other orders were represented by one or two species each. Diversity analysis revealed high species richness and evenness, with the Shannon–Wiener index (H′ = 3.32), Simpson’s reciprocal (1–D = 0.97), Margalef’s richness (d = 7.44), and evenness (J′ = 0.99), indicating a stable and balanced community structure. Functionally, the assemblage included decomposers such as earthworms, millipedes, and isopods; predators including carabid beetles, spiders, and pseudoscorpions; and agricultural pests such as Agrotis ipsilon and Nezara viridula. The occurrence of the invasive land snail Achatina fulica reflects anthropogenic influences on soil faunal assemblages.
Comparative evaluation with earlier studies in Maharashtra and other Indian regions showed recurring patterns of coleopteran dominance, alongside the ecological importance of detritivores in soil processes. The coexistence of beneficial and pest taxa highlights both the ecological services and potential challenges associated with soil macroinvertebrate communities. These findings underscore the role of landscape heterogeneity in supporting diverse and resilient macrofaunal assemblages and provide a baseline for long-term ecological monitoring and sustainable soil management practices in the region.
Keywords Coleoptera, diversity indices, Maharashtra, and soil macroinvertebrates
Field Biology > Agriculture / Botany
Published In Volume 5, Issue 6, November-December 2023
Published On 2023-11-05
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E-ISSN 2582-2160
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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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