Distribution and biodiversity of the beetle population (Coleoptera) in the alpine ecosystem of the Tatra National Park

Currently, the distribution of beetles in the alpine ecosystem in the Tatra National Park is poorly known, making it difficult to determine conservation priorities for species with small and/or declining populations. As part of a parasitological study, soil samples were taken from the faeces of Tatra chamois and Tatra marmots for an analysis of the soil community from five sites. Four sites were situated in the Slovak Tatra Mts. (Lomnické sedlo and the Velická, Tomanovská, and Furkotská dolina) and Dolina Waksmundzka in the Polish Tatras Mts. Altogether, 332 beetle individuals belonging to 55 species and seven families were sampled over three years (2019 – 2021). The most abundant family was the Staphylinidae (266 individuals, 44 taxa). The rare species Ptiliolum sahlbergi (Flach, 1888) was found in Slovakia for the first time and was collected from strictly protected area. The species Baeocrara japonica (Matthews, 1884) is a second finding for Polish fauna. The study provides documentation on the distribution of beetles in an alpine ecosystem.