Work

Radio telemetry reveals extensive dispersal capabilities of reintroduced Great Capricorn beetles ( Cerambyx cerdo ) in oak habitats at their northern range limit

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Amid accelerating global biodiversity loss, reintroducing and translocating endangered species have become pivotal conservation strategies. This study used radio telemetry to investigate the dispersal and movement patterns of the reintroduced Great Capricorn Beetle Cerambyx cerdo (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) L. within Tromtö Nature Reserve, Sweden. We tracked 50 beetles (29 females, 21 males) from 17 June 2022 to 17 July 2022, quantified their movements within the landscape and recorded the distances moved across oak‐rich areas at the northern edge of the species' range. Female beetles were significantly larger and heavier than males, with longer antennae. The beetles were relocated an average of 9.5 times. Total movement distances ranged from 2.8 to 822.2 m, with no significant association of movement distance or movement speed with sex, body size or mating status. We conclude that C. cerdo can reach oaks several hundred meters away and that dispersal distances were not associated with sex, body size or mating status. We recommend future studies employing more advanced telemetry techniques to refine estimates of long‐distance dispersal and habitat use.

Source: Insect Conservation and Diversity

DOI: 10.1111/icad.12830

Authors: Markus Franzén, Nellie Jarl, Anders Forsman, Jonas Hedin

Institutions: Linköping University, Linnaeus University, Landstinget i Kalmar län

Language: English

Topic: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,750