Impact of land use change on spider diversity (Araneae) in rangeland and urban park areas around Tehran (Chitgar, Lavizan and Darakeh)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran

3 Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. Iran

4 Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran

10.22091/ethc.2025.11886.1044

Abstract

Objective: Land use changes have multiple negative effects on biodiversity, soil fertility, and ecosystem services. Arachnids, as indicators of biodiversity, are affected by land use changes. The structure of vegetation and biodiversity influences the composition and abundance of arachnids. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the impact of converting rangelands into urban parks by studying the diversity of spiders between two regions.
Methods: Spiders were collected in the spring from three areas through the rangeland and urban parks of Chitgar, Lavizan, and Darakeh. In each region, two sites were chosen, and within each site six quadrats were examined, resulting in a total of 72 quadrats being studied.
Results: 318 samples were collected and classified based on morphological traits into 67 MorphOTUs. The results of the Two-way ANOVA statistical analysis indicated that the difference between the rangeland and the urban park was significant; however, the difference between these two regions in each location was not significant. The PERMANOVA analysis indicated that the composition of arachnid communities between the rangeland and urban parks was significantly different. The analysis of beta diversity indicated turnover occurs between these two regions in each location.
Conclusion: The conversion of rangelands to urban parks can have negative impacts on arachnid populations and their diversity, leading to a reduction of their natural habitats. Therefore, proper conservation of rangelands is essential for preserving Arachnid’s diversity.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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