A decrease in taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles impacts the ecosystem function of manure removal in...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Biodiversity Research

Background:

• Habitat destruction is a primary driver of biodiversity loss, impacting ecosystem functioning.
• Understanding the functional consequences of habitat changes on communities is limited.
• Copro-necrophagous beetles (Scarabaeinae) play a vital role in nutrient cycling and decomposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles across varied habitats.
• To assess the relationship between environmental factors and beetle diversity.
• To determine how diversity changes affect excrement removal rates.

Main Methods:

• Collections conducted in four distinct habitats in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil.
• Analysis of taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles (Scarabaeinae).
• Correlation analysis between environmental factors, diversity metrics, and manure removal rates.

Main Results:

• Habitats with an arboreal stratum maintained higher species and functional diversity compared to livestock pastures.
• Significant loss of species and functional groups observed in livestock agroecosystems.
• Distance to trees, air, and soil temperatures influenced species and functional group selection.
• Manure removal rates positively correlated with beetle taxonomic and functional richness and biomass.

Conclusions:

• Arboreal habitats are crucial for conserving regional species richness and functional diversity.
• Maintaining biodiversity in these habitats ensures the continuation of ecosystem functions, such as efficient excrement removal.
• Habitat structure significantly influences the resilience of ecosystem services provided by dung beetles.