Human and natural factors influence on forest arthropods biodiversity in a Southern Alpine Valley

The main topic of the thesis revolves around forest arthropods, seen as a key component of forest biodiversity. The aim is to seek whether human and natural factors, represented by forest management and presence of blockfields, have an impact on forest arthropods. The area chosen for the study is Val di Sole. The area is characterized by a high level of biodiversity, but also marked by forest management activities. Twenty plots were identified in the valley under four different classes of combination of the two factors: forest management and blockfields. The collection was conducted in summer 2022 using pitfalls trap. Also, stand structural data were collected in the sampling plots. The results highlight that the presence of fields and slopes with rocks (blockfields) play a relevant role in the abundance of some arthropods groups, such as springtails. On the other hand, forest management plays a different role in the abundance of other taxa. Moreover, the study confirmed the importance of conducting forest arthropods research for seeking biodiversity trends