University of Alberta and Canadian Forest Service researchers found that after an area of forest was harvested, many species, including rove beetles, decreased dramatically. As the forest regenerated, it never fully replicated the full characteristics of the older forest it replaced.

"We felt beetles were excellent candidates for this study because they are abundant and diverse, easily sampled, inhabit a variety of niches and are very sensitive to habitat change," said Professor John Spence.

Once the forest was harvested the overall abundance of rove beetles declined, while the diversity of species increased. The scientists also discovered most mature forest-dwelling species became much less abundant or disappeared completely immediately after harvest.

"This study is significant because it indicates a new forest will not hold the same biota as an old forest, so we must ensure that forest managers conserve adequate patches of old forests or make adequate long term plans for their full recovery," said Spence.

The research recently appeared in the journal Biological Conservation.