NS — Scavatori nella Sabbia

Biodiversityv06.00 credits/per_km2

Responsible:Niccolò Calandri

NS — Sand Excavators

Overview

The NS — Sand Excavators sub-indicator measures habitat suitability for pollinators that nest in loose sandy substrates. This group includes specialized species such as Colletes, Anthophora, and some Andrena, which dig their nests in dunes, sandy banks, river gravel beds, and alluvial deposits.

Unlike generalist soil excavators, these species have more specific requirements: they need loose, unconsolidated sand, often in sunny positions with moderate slopes that facilitate drainage. Natural sandy habitats are declining due to urbanisation and artificial dune stabilisation.

Weight in NS weighted average: 2.

Calculation Methodology

Calculated using the InVEST Pollinator Model. Each land cover class (CLC) is assigned a sand-nesting suitability coefficient (0–1). Highest suitability for dunes, beaches, and sandy gravel beds; lowest for dense forests, impervious surfaces, and wetlands.

Data Sources

Code	Name	Provider	Type	Coverage	Availability
`WRD_INVST_99`	InVEST Pollinator Model	Natural Capital Project	model	Global	Continuous

References

Lonsdorf, E. et al. (2009). Annals of Botany, 103(9), 1589-1600.
Potts, S.G. et al. (2010). Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25(6), 345-353.

Data Sources & References

Sources

WRD_INVST_99

Methodology

NS sub-indicator for sand diggers. Each CLC class receives a sand nesting suitability coefficient (0-1) based on the InVEST Pollinator model. Target species: Colletes, Anthophora. Weight in NS weighted average: 2. Scale: 0-1.