Microclimatic Conditions for Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Occurrence: Land Use System as a Determining...

Tropical forests account for 7% of the earth's surface harboring more than 50% of the biodiversity on Earth. Unfortunately, deforestation continues at high rates with negative consequences for biodiversity. With the decrease of natural habitats, biodiversity maintenance in areas degraded by human activity is a challenge. In order to maintain biodiversity, both in natural areas and in agro-ecosystems, knowledge of the structure and function of organism communities is important. Dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) play an important role in tropical ecosystems by recycling organic matter. Dung beetle diversity was appraised during 1 yr in an Atlantic forest remnant and five anthropic adjacent vegetation systems. In total, 1,047 individuals were sampled representing 17 species. Scybalocanthon nigriceps was the most abundant (523 individuals: 50%) almost exclusively in forest areas. Ataenius aff. platensis (48 individuals: 4.6%), and Canthon aff. luctuosus (109 individuals: 10.4%) were observed in all areas, while Canthon virens chalybaeus (111 individuals: 10.6%) was limited to anthropic areas. Dung beetle diversity was affected by microclimatic conditions concerning precipitation and air temperature. The greatest abundance and richness was found in the rainy season with a striking reduction in the dry period. The pasture sustained the lowest species diversity and abundance. However, there are clear signs that tree structure and microclimatic conditions similar to forests, as found in agroforestry, can help preserve biodiversity by creating a propitious habitat for native species. This is especially important in the forest regions of the Neotropics where dung beetles exhibit their greatest diversity. As dung beetles greatly depend on mammal feces and carrion, it is suggested that future studies incorporate the occurrence of mammals in investigations of the effects of landscape structure on scarab diversity.