Diversity of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in oil palm agropasture ecosystem in West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Cattle grazing on oil palm plantation (agropastoral) has the potential to increase biodiversity by providing new habitats and providing foods for invertebrates. Dung beetles use the cattle’s dung for food and to lay eggs. The aim of this research is to study the effect of cattle grazing on oil palm plantation toward the diversity, abundance and ecosystem services of dung beetles. The research was conducted in the oil palm plantation of PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. Central Kalimantan Province. Samplings were done on 6 oil palm blocks (4 plots on each block) consisting of 3 blocks that have been grazed by cattle (agropastoral) and 3 blocks that were not grazed (non-agropastoral). Samplings were done using baited pitfall traps and dung removal test. The treatments were replicated 4 times (0, 4, 8 and 12 wk). In total 24 species belonging to 5 genera and 11 019 individuals dung beetle have been collected. The most diverse group were genera from Onthophagus (16 species; 66.7% of collected species) and follow by Aphodius (4 species; 16.6%), Catharsius (2 species; 8.3%), Panelus (1 species; 4.2%) and Oniticellus (1 species; 4.2%). The result showed that the diversity of dung beetle was the same in agropastoral and non-agropastoral, but the abundance was 4 times higher in agropastoral habitat. Dung removal in non-agropastoral was 16% higher than agropastoral. Overall the result showed that cattle grazing has increased dung beetle population, although it has no effect on the diversity and ecosystem service of dung beetle.