Abstract
The quantitative composition of the oribatid mite community of three different forests in Hokkaido was discussed. The average population density (individual number per 20 cm2) of the upper 15 cm of soil over the 15 sampling occasions was 13.8±6.9 in the natural Picea forest, 4.1±2.9 in the Abies plantation and 11.7±6.7 in the natural mixed forest. The most complicated faunal composition was observed in the natural mixed forest. In most cases the population density of the 0-5 cm layer of soil was significantly greater than those in the 5-10 and 10-15 cm strata. Hypochthonius rufulus and Perlohmannia coiffaiti, however, were abundant in the deper strate rather than in the top soil layer.
