Alekseev V.I. 2022. The beetle fauna (Insecta: Coleoptera) of the Svetlogorsk Forest (Russia: Kaliningradskaya Oblast) at the beginning of the XXI century: high biodiversity and protection necessity // Euroasian Entomological Journal. Vol.21. No.1: 1–16 [in English].

Kaliningrad Regional Amber Museum, Marshal Vasilevskiy Square 1, Kaliningrad 236016 Russia. E-mail: alekseew0802@yahoo.com

doi 10.15298/euroasentj.21.1.01

ABSTRACT. 800 species (in 71 families) of the order Coleoptera are registered for a forested area of c. 8 km2 in the northern Sambian Peninsula during a 20-year study (2001–2021). A preliminary list of beetles’ species of the Svetlogorsk Forest is presented which includes the only known locality in Kaliningradskaya Oblast for 12 coleopteran species (Hylis olexai, Denticollis rubens, Pyropterus nigroruber, Dryophilus pusillus, Pityophagus ferrugineus, Conopalpus testaceus, Phryganophilus auritus, Curtimorda maculosa, Oomorphus concolor, Phaedon laevigatus, Cotaster cuneipennis and Dendroctonus micans). Six beetle species included in the Red Data Book of Kaliningradskaya Oblast (Calosoma inquisitor, Carabus coriaceus, Dendroxena quadrimaculata, Protaetia marmorata, Gnorimus nobilis, and Prionus coriarius) regularly occur in the Svetlogorsk Forest. Considering the high diversity of the associated fauna, as demonstrated by the Coleoptera, as well as presence of rare beetle populations, the Svetlogorsk Forest bears a great conservation value and can contribute to preserving the insect fauna in Kaliningradskaya Oblast. Taking in consideration of the high diversity and unique nature of the territory, the establishment of a large complex nature reserve or even national park “Warnicken Forest” in the northern coastal area of the Sambian peninsula is recommended.

KEY WORDS: Western Russia, the Sambian peninsula, biodiversity, local fauna, nature preservation.

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