Influence of landscape and livestock management on dung beetle diversity in tropical cattle pastures

Abstract

To achieve a balance between conservation and livestock production in the context of highly degraded tropical landscapes, we need a research approach that considers relationships among biodiversity, landscape structure, and farming practices. Given that dung beetles are sensitive to both landscape changes and local scale management practices, these insects are used as ecological indicators that provide information regarding the pasture’s health. We assessed the response of dung beetle diversity to livestock management practices and landscape structure in 22 cattle pastures from a regional relictual landscape dominated by productive land uses. Livestock management practices were the best predictors for species richness, Shannon diversity, and number of individuals. Macrocyclic lactone use was negatively related to species richness and number of individuals; high cattle densities increased Shannon diversity in the studied ranches. Patches of old secondary forest cover had a positive significant relationship with every response variable and was the best predictor for biomass, but also contributed to maintaining high species richness in cattle pastures, suggesting that secondary forests provide favorable microclimatic conditions for dung beetles in highly degraded landscapes. This study provides evidence that conservation of old secondary forests in highly modified landscapes and the rational use of macrocyclic lactones can be useful management tools to favor dung beetle diversity and the ecosystem services they provide, thus ensuring pasture health.