Structural Characteristics of Insect Population in Reclamation Process Area at Kaeng Khoi Limestone Mining, Saraburi Province

Abstract

            The structure of insect populations was studied in a reclaimed limestone mining area (Reclamation Zone C, Reclamation Zone A and a former reclamation area) and in dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. The aim was to investigate the species diversity and distribution of insects including the density of the insect population in the limestone area after reclamation by examining the seasonal variation in the soil insect population in each study area.

            Findings indicated that the species diversity of insects in the area studied consisted of 11 orders, 24 families, 37 genera, and 43 species. The diversity index was greatest (2.44) in the dry evergreen forest during the dry season and lowest (0.86) in Zone C during the dry season. The similarity index of insects during the rainy and dry season in each area was nearly 60% which indicated adaptation by insects to both seasons. The dry evergreen forest had a density of 2,850 insect/m² during the rainy season. The composition of species in each area was classified as ‘decomposer’ consisting of, in particular, ants, ground beetles, and termites, all of which played a key role in changes to the soil structure and to the success of reclamation of the mining area.

Keywords: insect population, reclamation, limestone mining