Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in grazing lands of the Neotropics: A review of patterns and research trends of taxonomic and functional diversity, and functions

Abstract

Dung beetles are one of the most representative groups of insects associated with livestock, as they take advantage of the manure of livestock for food and reproduction. They have been widely used as a bio-indicator group to evaluate their responses to land-use change and other environmental disturbances by analyzing species diversity at different spatial and temporal scales. However, the impacts of livestock management practices, forms, and history on dung beetle diversity are still poorly understood. This paper is an exhaustive and systematic review of the existing peer-reviewed and indexed literature on the taxonomic diversity (species richness and composition), functional diversity, and ecological functions of dung beetles from different provinces and biogeographic domains in tropical grazing lands of the Neotropics. We analyzed the timeline of the studies conducted so far, and we detected increasing literature produced mainly in South America. We included the most frequent objectives, tendencies, software, and statistical analyses. Given the significant heterogeneity of livestock landscapes in the Neotropics, the reviewed studies have conceptualized broadly what a pasture is, and the authors have used different descriptions of other grazing lands. Additionally, management data and livestock practices vary widely among studies, and management history is poorly described. In future research, it is relevant to include as much information as possible and the consequences of different livestock management practices on additional ecological attributes of dung beetle assemblages at different landscape scales (spatial and temporal) to predict how ecological processes change in Neotropical landscapes. Considering the importance of the data to be included in future work, we propose a collection format to unify the information collected in the field when conducting ecological studies in grazing lands. Moreover, we define a classification system to homogenize the features that distinguish the multiple tropical grazing lands reported in the literature. Preserving dung beetle diversity and associated ecological functions is urgent for maintaining ecosystem services in grazing lands. The challenge for research institutions is to continue filling gaps in knowledge to help those who work in transferring knowledge, to help ranchers exercise better options for more sustainable livestock farming, and to publish results for conservation decision-making.

Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective

“…Focal groups, notably charismatic taxa like Lepidoptera (i.e. diurnal butterflies, skippers and moths) [32,[41][42][43][44][45][46] and beetles (mostly dung beetles) [47][48][49][50][51][52][53], have been extensively studied, utilizing effective collection and observational survey methods that allow the establishment of standardized protocols replicable over time [54][55][56]. Substantial progress has also been achieved in freshwater monitoring programmes, with the immature stages of various aquatic orders playing a pivotal role [32,41,42,44,45,[57][58][59].…”

Habitat simplification affects functional group structure along with taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of temperate‐zone ant assemblages over a ten‐year period

“…Phylogenetic diversity reflects the accumulated evolutionary history of a community (Webb et al 2002), and it has frequently been used to understand the historical processes determining present‐day patterns of species diversity (Sechrest et al 2002). The importance of considering the effects of habitat simplifications on these dimensions of biodiversity through extensive spatial and temporal scales is now recognized (Mouillot et al 2013, Arellano et al 2023). This multidimensional approach is necessary, not only for the conservation of species, but also for the preservation of the functions of those species and the ecological services they provide (Mouillot et al 2013, Arellano et al 2023, Maciel et al 2023), as well as for the evolutionary history that has shaped their traits (Devictor et al 2010).…”

Development of underground detection system using a metal detector and aluminum tag for Copris ochus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

“…Dung beetles are important ecosystem engineers in various ecosystems, including tropical forest and coastal dune ecosystems ( Cambefort and Hanski 1991 , Nichols et al 2008 ). They are known to provide multiple ecosystem services including nutrient cycling, bioturbation, seed dispersal, and zoological vector suppression ( Bang et al 2005 , Nichols et al 2008 , Arellano et al 2023 ). Nevertheless, dung beetles have been decreasing in number and in some areas have become locally extinct due to habitat loss and changes in commercial livestock practice ( Lobo 2001 , Kim et al 2021 ).…”