Abstract Edge populations are of conservation importance because they typically suffer an elevated risk of extinction, possess low genetic variation and can be genetically distinct from core populations. Peripheral populations are generally characterized as being less abundant and more vulnerable to habitat change. In this study, we investigated the current distribution and microhabitat requirements of the Keeled Plump Bush-cricket ( Isophya costata ), a threatened species, at the north-western periphery of its range (Austrian-Slovak trans-border area, Central Europe). To clarify the current distribution pattern in relation to microhabitat requirements, we employed a comprehensive combination of microhabitat assessment and microrelief topography in a flood-plain area, which was supplemented by photo documentation created using a drone. We found that the distribution of the bush-cricket follows isolated occurrences with low densities. Regarding microhabitat requirements, we discovered a link between the distribution pattern of the bush-cricket and micro-elevations connected to dicotyledonous broadleaf plants. We assume that the novel information on species ecology found in this study could be a first step in obtaining sufficient data for further systematic monitoring. To set these findings for species conservation, it is necessary to mitigate the most serious threats, which are represented by early mowing and habitat degradation. Therefore, further detailed analysis of major threats and determination of the genetic structure of the species will be crucial to ensure appropriate conservation measures for the threatened peripheral bush-cricket metapopulation. Implications for Insect Conservation This research provides the novel information about microhabitat requirements of the threatened bush-cricket at the north-western edge of its range. Current distribution data together with detailed knowledge of the microhabitat requirements provide important ecological information, which could have significant implications for the further systematic monitoring and species conservation.

中文翻译：

---

龙骨丰满灌木蟋蟀（Isophya costata）在其分布范围的西北边缘的当前分布、微生境要求和脆弱性

摘要边缘种群具有保护重要性，因为它们通常具有较高的灭绝风险，具有较低的遗传变异，并且可以在遗传上与核心种群不同。外围种群的特征通常是数量较少且更容易受到栖息地变化的影响。在这项研究中，我们调查了龙骨丰满灌木蟋蟀（ Isophya costata ）在其分布范围的西北部边缘（奥地利-斯洛伐克跨境地区，中欧）的当前分布和微生境要求。为了阐明与微生境要求相关的当前分布模式，我们在洪泛区采用了微生境评估和微地形地形的综合组合，并辅以使用无人机创建的照片文档。我们发现丛林蟋蟀的分布遵循低密度的孤立事件。关于微生境要求，我们发现灌木蟋蟀的分布模式与与双子叶阔叶植物相关的微海拔之间存在联系。我们假设本研究中发现的有关物种生态学的新信息可能是获得足够数据以进行进一步系统监测的第一步。为了将这些发现用于物种保护，有必要减轻最严重的威胁，这些威胁以早期割草和栖息地退化为代表。因此，对主要威胁的进一步详细分析和物种遗传结构的确定对于确保对受威胁的外围丛林蟋蟀集合种群采取适当的保护措施至关重要。对昆虫保护的影响 这项研究提供了有关受威胁的丛林蟋蟀在其分布范围的西北边缘的微栖息地要求的新信息。当前的分布数据以及对微生境要求的详细了解提供了重要的生态信息，这可能对进一步的系统监测和物种保护具有重要意义。