Surrounding landscape composition influences saproxylic beetle assemblages after prescribed burning

Abstract Biodiversity is affected by local and landscape factors, yet which of these is most important seems to vary depending on species group and context. Understanding how environmental factors affect species at different spatial scales is crucial for effective conservation planning. Here, we examine the influence of local and landscape characteristics on saproxylic and fire‐favoured beetle populations after prescribed burning. Beetles ( Coleoptera ) were collected using flight intercept traps at 23 sites across three regions in Sweden. Prescribed burning had been conducted on the sites 4–7 years earlier. We analysed the relationships between species richness, abundance and community composition, and environmental variables at both local (burn sites) and landscape scales (2, 5, 10 and 20 km radius around the burn sites). Local variables were deadwood volume, canopy cover and burn extent. Landscape variables included the area of forests that were protected, old (>120 years), clear‐cut and burned, and the standing timber volume of Scots pine, Norway spruce and deciduous trees. In total, we recorded 3094 saproxylic beetles, belonging to 188 species. Of these, 1153 individuals (37 species) were classified as fire‐favoured. No local variables had a significant influence on beetle richness or abundance. For landscape relationships, 5 and 10 km scales were most relevant for analysing saproxylic beetle responses. At these scales, saproxylic beetle richness was positively associated with the protected forest area, whereas abundance showed a negative relationship. In contrast, richness of saproxylic beetles was negatively associated with the area of clear‐cuts, while abundances of saproxylic and fire‐favoured species were positively associated. Species richness was similar across regions, whereas species composition varied. The proportion of old forests was an important variable contributing to regional dissimilarity in species composition. Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights the importance of the surrounding landscape for shaping saproxylic beetle communities after prescribed burning. Forest management and conservation measures within a 5–10 km radius of prescribed burns can influence beetle assemblages post‐burn and should be considered when planning burns aimed at promoting saproxylic beetles. In addition, as species composition varied across regions, this indicates that prescribed burning in different regions complements each other.