Making Beetles Count: A case study of the social and ecological issues surrounding ground beetle populations at a nature reserve in Merseyside

Aileen Scott

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract / Description of output

This case study investigated several issues surrounding the topic of our relationship with beetles and other invertebrates, focusing on three aspects.

1) A literature review investigated the representation of beetles and other invertebrates in research and conservation. Literature searches, database searches and naturally occurring data were used. Beetles and other invertebrates were found to be significantly underrepresented in research and conservation, despite evidence that, compared with vertebrates, a similar or higher proportion of species are at risk of extinction.

2) Pitfall traps were used to observe differences in beetle populations between two nature reserves and one arable farm. The beetle population was less abundant but more diverse on the nature reserves compared with the farm. It was beyond the scope of this study to quantify the populations and identify the reasons for the differences.

3) The attitudes of nature reserve managers and visitors towards beetles and other invertebrates were explored through interviews. It was found that support for invertebrate conservation was high, but awareness of invertebrates and of population declines was low.

Overall, this study found problems with our knowledge of and attitudes towards
invertebrates. Invertebrates are essential to all ecosystems, but they are understudied and undervalued compared with vertebrates. Populations are declining, but more research is needed to make informed decisions about conservation. In order to make beetles, and other invertebrate species, count, we must study them, protect them and learn to care about them.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University of Edinburgh
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Cousquer, Glen, Supervisor
  • Lurz, Peter, Supervisor
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Beetles

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