Patterns of beetle (Coleoptera) diversity in arid environments of Margarita Island, Venezuela

Measuring biodiversity remains a fundamental yet challenging issue in conservation biology. Drylands, major components of terrestrial biomes, are particularly susceptible to desertification due to climate change and human activities. In Venezuela, the highly threatened arid ecosystems of Margarita Island harbor unique biodiversity, yet beetle diversity remains poorly known, despite the value of beetles as models to guide conservation actions. Most beetle diversity and ecological studies in arid