Ivermectin residues disrupt dung beetle diversity, soil properties and ecosystem functioning: An interdisciplinary...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary parasitology
• Ecology
• Soil science

Background:

• Ivermectin is a widely used endectocide in livestock farming.
• Its impact on dung beetles, crucial for ecosystem functioning, requires investigation.
• Long-term effects can be assessed by comparing treated and organic farming areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the short-term and long-term effects of ivermectin on dung beetle assemblages.
• To evaluate the impact of ivermectin on ecosystem services provided by dung beetles.
• To analyze changes in soil properties due to ivermectin's influence on dung decomposition.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of dung beetle assemblages and ecosystem functions in ivermectin-treated and organic farming areas within Doñana National Park.
• Assessment of short-term dung colonization, dwelling, relocation, and disaggregation rates.
• Analysis of species richness, abundance, biomass, functional diversity, and soil physical-chemical properties.

Main Results:

• Short-term differences in dung relocation and spreading rates indicated ivermectin's immediate effects on dung beetles.
• Conventional ivermectin use significantly reduced dung beetle species richness, abundance, and biomass.
• Decreased functional diversity led to long-term dung accumulation and altered soil functionality.

Conclusions:

• Ivermectin administration negatively impacts dung beetle populations and their ecological roles.
• Disruption of dung beetle assemblages by ivermectin compromises essential ecosystem services.
• Sustainable livestock practices are crucial to mitigate ivermectin's adverse environmental consequences.