Long-term dynamics of earthworm (Lumbricidae) abundance in suburban forests of Kazan

This paper presents studies of earthworms in forest habitats in Kazan and its suburbs during 1998-2020. Lumbricidae numbers were counted in three broad-leaved and one pine phytocenoses in spring and autumn periods. In different biotopes the dynamics of worm abundance differ, in the most disturbed area the abundance of lumbricides decreases in the long-term aspect, in the moderately disturbed one - without changes in spring and increasing in autumn, in slightly disturbed one an increase in earthworm abundance is observed over time. However, their average abundance increases with increasing recreation. Weather and climate parameters have no significant effect on long-term fluctuations in the abundance of this group of animals. The spring abundance of lumbricides is partly due to the autumn worm abundance of the previous year.