Population genetics of saproxylic beetle assemblages in protected and managed forests
This project investigates how forest naturalness and habitat location influence genetic diversity in saproxylic (deadwood-dependent) beetles, which are key indicators of forest ecosystem health. Using genome-wide data generated with double-digest RAD sequencing (ddRAD-seq), multiple rare and common beetle species were analyzed across Central European forests. The study aims to improve understanding of how forest management and landscape connectivity shape genetic structure in keystone forest insects, providing insights relevant for biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.