Habitat of Carabus zawadzkii (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the Eastern Carpathians.

This paper provides an analysis of the rare and important Natura 2000 species Carabus zawadzkii in terms of its ecological niche, conservation status and relationship with other Carabus species in carabid assemblages. Published sources are inconsistent in defining the habitats in which this species occurs. Therefore, a large part of this paper is dedicated to identifying the relationship of Carabus zawadzkii with particular non-forest habitats based on field research conducted in 2011-2013. The results revealed an unexpected affinity of this species for non-forest habitats in addition to the know relationship with forest habitats. Further analysis, using additional field data collected over the period 2013-2021, also focused on the assessment of the current conservation status of this rare species. Overall, the population of this species seems stable; however, to improve its conservation status it requires particular management measures. Important conservation measures include periodic extensive mowing of mountain hay meadows. This species' seasonal dynamics provides important information for nature conservationists. It is important to carry out research on this species in May, when it is most active. Presented results provide the most comprehensive overview of the ecological preferences and occurrence of this important and very rare Carpathian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]