Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species

Min R. Pokhrel; Stuart C. Cairns; Nigel R. Andrew

doi:10.7717/peerj.9872

Back

Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species

Min R. Pokhrel, Stuart C. Cairns and Nigel R. Andrew

PeerJ (San Francisco, CA), Vol.8, e9872

25/09/2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9872

PMID: 33062417

Files and links (2)

pdf

Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species7.45 MBDownload View

Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access

url

Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive speciesView

Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open

Metrics

41 File views/ downloads

12 Record Views

8 Times Cited - Web of Science

See more details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites

Abstract

Multidisciplinary Sciences

Science & Technology

Ecology

Entomology

Zoology

Dung beetle introduction programmes were designed to accelerate exotic livestock dung degradation and to control dung breeding pestiferous flies and livestock parasites. The introduction programmes provided exotic dung beetle species with an opportunity to cross natural barriers and spread beyond their native range. There are no reports that explain what probable adaptation mechanisms enable particular dung beetle species to be the most successful invader. Here we identify the morphological, biological, physiological, ecological and behavioural attributes of the four most widespread and successful dung beetle species in introduced areas on a global scale in relation to the assumption that these species are different from other exotic and native dung beetles. We have recognised Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius), Onthophagus taurus (Schreber), Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche) and Aphodius fimetarius (Linnaeus) as the most successful invaders based on their spread, predominance, distribution range and the reports of invasion. Each of these four species has different natural history traits that increase their fitness making them successful invaders. D. gazella has high fecundity and spreading ability, can instantly locate and colonise fresh and nutritious dung, and has a broad thermal window. O. taurus has morphological plasticity, high fecundity, high brood survival rate due to bi-parenting, and is adapted to extreme thermal and moisture conditions. E. intermedius has remnant-dung feeding abilities, a wide thermal window, functioning best at upper-temperature levels, and successful breeding and survival abilities at extremely low soil moisture conditions. A. fimetarius is small-sized, has high breeding and dispersal abilities, and is adapted to lower thermal and upper moisture extremes and variable soil conditions. Discussed here are perspectives on adaptive attributes of dung beetle species that are important to consider during their selection for redistributions. We have elaborated on the fitness and success characteristics of the four species individually. Further, we recommend a prior-introduction baseline monitoring of native dung beetle assemblages so as to evaluate the future impact of exotic dung beetle introductions on the recipient ecosystem.

Details

Title: Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species
Creators: Min R. Pokhrel - University of New England
Stuart C. Cairns - University of New England
Nigel R. Andrew - University of New England
Publication Details: PeerJ (San Francisco, CA), Vol.8, e9872
Publisher: Peerj Inc
Number of pages: 27
Grant note: Australian Government, Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Endeavour Leadership Program to Min Raj Pokhrel Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to Min Raj Pokhrel University of New England Higher Degree Research to Min Raj Pokhrel.
Identifiers: 991013087220802368
Copyright: (c) 2020 Pokhrel et al. Distributed under Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0.
Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species

Files and links (2)

Metrics

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

Details

Southern Cross University Social media