Objective The aim was to investigate the vertical distribution pattern of soil fauna community in low-altitude mountain areas, and to provide reference and data support for biodiversity protection in Shimen National Forest Park.

Method On July 8th, 2022, a low hill was selected as the study area, soil arthropods were collected through trap. Leaf litter, vegetation type and distribution quantity were investigated at each sampling site while soil fauna were collected. Also, the soil physical and chemical parameters were measured simultaneously. The dominant species of soil fauna at different altitudes were analyzed by calculating the dominance index, the diversity changes of soil fauna communities were analyzed by NMDS, the relationship between the distribution of soil fauna communities and environmental factors was analyzed by RDA, and the differences among different data sets were compared by one-way ANOVA.

Result A total of 1086 soil fauna, belonged to 5 classes and 10 orders and 37 species, were collected during the study period. The dominance index analysis showed that there were obvious differences in the dominant species of soil fauna in six elevation sampling plots. The dominant species, Porcellio laevis and Aethus nigritus, were only found at low elevation plots. The dominant species, Eupolyphaga sinensis, was only found at high altitude plots. The dominant species, Philodromidae sp., was found at both high and low altitude plots. The dominant species of soil fauna at different altitudes were significantly different from each other. The dominant species at low altitudes were Armadillidium sp. and Aethus nigritus, the dominant species in the high altitude region are Eupolyphaga sinensis and Philodromidae. The results of community cluster analysis showed that the soil fauna of different altitude gradients could be divided into two main communities: high altitude community and low altitude community. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in soil properties at different altitudes. Soil moisture (P < 0.01), soil pH (P < 0.01) and defoliation (P < 0.05) had significant effects on the distribution of soil fauna. There were fewer soil fauna and fewer species in the sampling line closer to the trekking ladder.

Conclusion With the increase of altitude, the specie richness of soil fauna gradually decreased, and their abundance showed a decreasing trend. Soil moisture, pH and defoliation had significant effects on the distribution of soil fauna. Human tourism mountaineering activities had a direct impact on soil fauna.