Environmental gradients and carabid beetle diversity: Insights from wildfire and intensive site preparation in a Central European forest

Abstract Modern interventions, especially afforestation with Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris (Pinales: Pinaceae), L.), have accelerated habitat degradation in sandy lowland regions, reducing biodiversity and hindering the continuous succession of beetle populations. We conducted research from 2013 to 2021 in the Moravská Sahara–Bzenec district, South Moravia, following a 2012 wildfire. This study investigated whether wildfire and intensive site preparation—specifically, disc trenching for replanting—could support the long‐term restoration and persistence of psammophilous beetle populations. Beetle assemblages (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were compared across six vegetation stages: (i) uprooted pine stand, afforested; (ii) uprooted pine stand, left to decay; (iii) semi‐decayed mid‐aged stand; (iv) affected mature stand; (v) unaffected mature stand; and (vi) unaffected mid‐aged pine stand. We recorded 25,468 ground‐dwelling beetles from 113 species. The findings suggest that wildfire shapes beetle assemblages by creating diverse habitats that support various beetle species. Habitat changes were associated with fire severity, successional stage and site preparation intensity, resulting in distinct species clusters. These results indicate that wildfires can be a valuable conservation tool for enhancing the diversity of early‐successional beetle assemblages. In open areas subjected to intensive site preparation for reforestation, beetle species gradually declined with no replacement, reflecting the homogeneous habitat structure. To promote species continuity, we recommend implementing low‐intensity repeat fires near mature stands. Consequently, increased forest canopy closure should not be regarded solely as regeneration but as a potential threat to species richness and diversity in these sandy habitats.