Habitat diversity or altitudinal gradient? Which factor better explains ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) biodiversity? A case study from Davraz Mountain (Isparta, Türkiye)

Ground beetle (Carabidae) species diversity and spatial distribution were surveyed across five habitat types along an elevational gradient on Davraz Mountain, a biogeographical transition area in southwestern Türkiye. The analyses showed that habitat heterogeneity—particularly soil moisture and texture—exerts a stronger influence on carabid diversity than elevation. Sørensen’s and Jaccard similarity indices showed strong faunal overlap between some sampling areas, while multivariate principal components and canonical correspondence analyses verified distinct environmental gradients influencing community structure. Diversity indices indicated varying levels of species richness and evenness across sampling areas. The data highlight the importance of fine-scaled habitat features in driving ground beetle biodiversity and the value of local-scale ecological studies in conservation planning.