Post-Burn analysis of insect diversity at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Jeff Davis County, Texas

• In Event: Terrestrial Ecology & Management Oral Session 2 & Section Meeting

Abstract

Pollinators are found everywhere and aid in sustaining life. Unfortunately, the number of pollinators are going through a serious decline. It is estimated that 16.5% of avian and mammalian pollinators are at a risk of extinction. Additionally, greater than 40% of pollinating insects are threatened. In 2011, the Chihuahuan Desert, and ultimately the pollinating community, got struck by a detrimental natural disaster. A fire, known as the Rock House Fire, burned 127,475 hectares (315,000 acres) of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert, including a sizable amount of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI). In particular, the high grasslands were burned, while the nearby botanical gardens and canyon ecosystems were preserved. From 2006 to 2008, a study collected data from pre-burned areas of the grasslands and botanical gardens at CDRI. There was also a brief post-burn study conducted in these same plots to document any changes in pollinator abundance and biodiversity immediately following the fire. The current study is a follow up for the early post-burn work. To determine the recovery of insect species after the fire, specimens were collected via a 25 m by 25 m grid of various colored pan traps and sampled weekly for insect activity. Specimens were taken back to the lab, sorted, pinned, and identified. After 12 trips, statistics were run comparing the data against prior pre- and post-burn data, as well as to compare pan trapping methodology. Results indicate a recovering insect community, and that different pan trap colors show differential attraction per insect groups.

Authors

• Katherine Marie Lee Mancha, Sul Ross State University

• Chris M Ritzi, Sul Ross State University