Abstract
The effect of the New Zealand Flatworm was investigated in Kollafjørður by comparing samples collected in 2001 to samples in 2022. No earthworms were found in 2022, compared to an abundance of 103 earthworms per m2 in 2001. The apparent temporal decline of the infield earthworm population of Koltur is attributed to the reduction in added organic material, predicting a possible decline of earthworm populations in the Faroe Islands despite the arrival of the New Zealand Flatworm.The hand sorting sampling method is recommended for earthworm sampling in the Faroe Islands, as it requires the least material and provides the most accurate model of the earthworm population. In contrast to the formalin method which underestimates endogeic earthworm abundance. Sampling should take place in late August for the highest abundance and highest proportion of adults.
| Date of Award | 2023 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Eyðfinn Magnussen (Supervisor) |