The effects of invasive saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) on native riparian habitats are currently being studied. As part of this study, the abundance and biodiversity of arthropods associated with saltcedar, Tamarix ramosissima (Violales: Tamaricaceae), is being compared with that of native coyote willows, Salix exigua (Salicales: Salicaceae). Several collection methods have been used to gather data for this comparison, but visual observation, sweep netting, and vegetation clipping require particularly low effort while providing meaningful data. Each of these methods, however, has bias and precision problems built into the technique. This poster examines the data collected using these three techniques, and compares their effectiveness for evaluating arthropod abundance and biodiversity.
Species 1: Violales Tamaricaceae Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar)
Species 2: Salicales Salicaceae Salix exigua (coyote willow)
Keywords: collection methods, biodiversity
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