Impact of cutting and sheep grazing on ground–active spiders and carabids in intertidal salt marshes (Western France)

The aims of this study were to characterize spider (Araneae) and ground beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) communities in managed (cutting and sheep grazing) and non–managed salt marshes and to assess the efficiency of management regimes in these particular ecosystems. The two groups were studied during 2002 in salt marshes of the Mont Saint–Michel Bay (NW France) using pitfall traps. By opening soil and vegetation structures cutting and grazing enhanced the abundances of some halophilic species of spiders and ground beetles. Nevertheless, grazing appeared to be too intensive as spider species richness decreased. We discuss the implications of management practices in terms of nature conservation and their application in the particular area of intertidal salt marshes.

Key words: Management, Conservation value, Halophilic species, Arthropods.