Influence of habitat management and selected environmental parameters on the ground-living communities of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the historical park in Rusovce (Slovakia)

Abstract This study explores the diversity and dynamics of harvestman (Opiliones) communities in the historical park in Rusovce, situated in the southwestern part of Bratislava (Slovakia). Seven study sites were investigated, representing areas subjected to different management practices. The research was conducted from March 2019 to April 2020, using pitfall traps. In total, 2,291 harvestman individuals belonging to 13 species and 4 families were captured. The eudominant species included Nemastoma bidentatum sparsum (Gruber & Martens, 1968), Nelima sempronii Szalay, 1951, and Oligolophus tridens (Koch, 1836). Temperature, both soil and air, emerged as significant factor affecting the spatial structure of harvestman species. The study revealed the response of specific harvestman species to temperature variations, emphasizing the importance of microclimatic conditions. Environmental variables, such as plant species richness in the shrub layer, stand canopy of herb and shrub vegetation layers, and the age of the forest stands, were identified as key factors influencing the dispersal of harvestman species. Furthermore, management practices, especially the presence of invasive plant species and monoculture forests, significantly affected the species composition of harvestmen. Our findings contribute valuable information about the complex interaction between harvestman (Opiliones) communities and environmental factors, habitat characteristics, and management practices. Observing the sensitivity of Opiliones, as important bioindicators, to these factors is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies in urban green spaces as well as anthropogenically influenced ecosystems.