Herbivore Dung Research Articles

The association between pasture systems, dung removal and colonization by a local Australian temperate dung beetle assemblage

Abstract Herbivore dung quality (physical and chemical parameters) varies between animal species and animal diet which is influenced by seasonal fluctuations and farm management practices. Subsequently, this influences the reproductive success of dung beetles. In Australian pasture systems, how the introduced dung beetle assemblage interacts in the field with cattle dung derived from different resources is unknown. This study quantifies the colonization by dung beetles (abundance, species richness and evenness) and removal of cattle dung derived from three common temperate pasture systems (improved native, forage oat and rye/clover pasture, henceforth dung type) over 24 h for 12 months. From the three dung types, 13 species of dung beetle were captured. Abundance and species richness were influenced by month and transect, with weak evidence for differences between dung types influencing overall abundance: Onthophagus binodis (49.7%), Aphodius fimetarius (24.4%) and Labarrus lividus (17.1%) were the most abundant species. Dung removal (organic matter) was influenced by month and dung type, with more dung buried in improved native (23.9 g) and rye/clover (24.7 g) derived dung compared with forage oat (12.3 g) dung. Dung beetle abundance was positively correlated with removal of all dung types, with O. binodis biomass significantly influencing dung removal. This study showed that diet of bovine animals weakly influences the abundance of a local dung beetle assemblage, warranting further investigation on the influence of other dung types in different regions. Improvements to reporting of pasture species and growth stage is recommended for comparisons between dung derived sources.

Male Reproductive Traits Display Increased Phenotypic Variation in Response to Resource Quality and Parental Provisioning in a Tropical Rainforest Dung Beetle, Onthophagus c.f. babirussa.

Reproductive traits that mediate differential fitness associated with mate acquisition and fertilisation success are often strongly linked to the overall condition. We investigated the effects of resource quality and parental provisioning in the phenotypic expression of sexual and non-sexual traits in a rainforest dung beetle, Onthophagus c.f. babirussa (Eschscholtz, 1822) from Singapore. F1 individuals were reared from wild-caught beetles and paired up to produce offspring (F2), and F2 larvae from the same F1 parents were reared on two dung substrates (herbivore and omnivore) in a full-sib design. Sexual traits displayed greater phenotypic variation in response to dung resource quality, with the precopulatory trait (horn length) responding more than the postcopulatory trait (testes weight). Notably, genotype-by-environment interactions between parental lines (genotype) and dung type (environment) affected male body size and horn length only, suggesting sex-specific variance in plasticity associated with sexually selected precopulatory traits. Dung type had significant effects on all measured traits. Offspring that were provisioned higher quality resource (omnivore dung) had larger absolute and relative trait values. Parental lines only significantly affected female body size but none of the male traits, suggesting an important role of environment and resource partitioning in determining precopulatory success of male offspring. Parental provisioning of larval resource varied with resource quality and brood sequence. Parents provisioned more dung when herbivore dung was presented than when they were given omnivore dung and provisioned more dung for their earlier broods when using herbivore dung but not omnivore dung. This suggests a trade-off between early offspring fitness and resource quality. We tested directly for genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions in the expression of several morphological traits relevant to dung beetle fitness and documented that offspring with similar phenotypes may result from completely different parental resource allocation strategies. We discuss the importance of studying parental investment on trait variation and its implications on dung beetle ecology.

High above the rest: standing behaviors in the amoebae of Sappinia and Thecamoeba

Many terrestrial microbes have evolved cell behaviors that help them rise above their substrate, often to facilitate dispersal. One example of these behaviors is found in the amoebae of Sappinia pedata, which actively lift most of their cell mass above the substrate, known as standing. This standing behavior was first described in S. pedata in the 1890s from horse dung isolates but never molecularly characterized from dung. Our study expands this understanding, revealing the first molecularly confirmed S. pedata from herbivore dung in Mississippi, USA, and describing a new species, Sappinia dangeardi n. sp., with larger trophozoite cells. Additionally, we isolated another standing amoeba, Thecamoeba homeri n. sp., from soil, exhibiting a previously unreported “doughnut shape” transient behavior. In S. dangeardi n. sp., we discovered that standing is likely triggered by substrate drying, and that actin filaments actively localize in the “stalk” to support the standing cells, as observed through confocal microscopy. While the purpose of standing behaviors has not been investigated, we hypothesize it is energetically expensive and therefore a significant evolutionary strategy in these organisms. Overall, this study emphasizes behavioral adaptations to terrestrial environments within Amoebozoa, stressing the importance of diverse laboratory conditions that replicate natural habitats.

Microbial community composition in the dung of five sympatric European herbivore species.

The dung microbiome is a complex system that is highly influenced by species and diet. This study characterized the dung bacterial and fungal communities of five herbivore species inhabiting the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, the Netherlands. The five selected herbivore species were rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), cow (Bos taurus L.), horse (Equus ferus caballus L.), fallow deer (Dama dama L.), and European bison (Bison bonasus L.). We explored the effects of distinct digestive physiology (ruminants vs. non-ruminants) and diverse dietary preferences on the microbial community composition of herbivore dung. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were dominant bacterial phyla in the dung of all five herbivore species, and Ascomycota was the predominant fungal phylum. Verrucomicrobiota and Mucoromycota were more present in horse dung and Proteobacteria were more abundant in rabbit dung than the three ruminant dung types. There were few significant differences in the microbial community structure among the three ruminant dung types. The alpha and beta diversity of dung microbial communities significantly differed between ruminants and non-ruminants, especially in bacterial communities. Based on MetaCyc pathways, we found that the primary functions of bacteria in herbivore dung were focused on biosynthesis, various super pathways, and degradation, with a few differences between ruminant and non-ruminant dung. FUNGuild analysis showed that horse dung had more saprotrophic fungi, while the fungi in fallow deer dung had more symbiotrophic properties, with the fungal functions of bison, cow, and rabbit dung somewhere in between. There was also a correlation between microbial community and nutrient composition of the substrate in herbivore dung. Understanding the dung microbial community composition of these herbivore species can enrich the database of mammalian gut microbiomes for studying the mechanisms of microbial community variation while preparing for exploring a new perspective to study the impact of herbivores on ecosystems through dung deposition.

Опыт определения копромаркеров в отложениях археологических памятников (по материалам стоянки Сельунгур, Южный Кыргызстан)

Introduction. The article discusses the results of a study of ash layers from Holocene deposits at the Selungur (Surungur) Cave. Goals. So, the work attempts a practical evaluation of a method of identifying coprostanols in archaeological sediments. The investigation of Holocene deposits of the site was carried out in 2018 and 2021 field seasons. The study identifies a total of 7 Holocene layers that represent the typical ‘fumier’ facies of cave and rock shelter deposits connected to pastoralism and animal husbandry practices, and built up of stratified layers of burnt herbivore dung. The sequence contains a record of multiple earthquakes that disturbed the sediments and effected in water escape structures, plastic deformations, and faults. Nevertheless, the stratigraphy remains easily readable. Unfortunately, archaeological and paleofaunistic materials were never found but a series of ash-containing interlayers suggests that the cave was repeatedly visited by ancient humans. Materials. In the ash deposits, our micro charcoal analysis has identified areas of concentration of burnt dungs which was used for fire. Series of samples were taken throughout the section of Holocene deposits for gas mass spectrometry analysis. The research efforts have also included the analysis of modern dung from herbivores inhabiting the area, such as cows, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys, for the latter obtained data to serve as a reference collection. Results. Unfortunately, layer 7 of the Selungur Cave proved characterized by poor preservation of fire products, while layers 6–1 yielded somewhat rich data. The obtained results make it possible to identify coprosterols and determine that equine dung was used in layers 6-2 as a fuel, and goat dung — in the first layer. The most widespread distribution of equines in this region occurred during the existence of Dayuan (Parkan) state, in the third century BC and later in the Middle Ages. Most likely, during these periods the mountain corridor comprising the Selungur Cave could have been used as a pass of the Silk Road that connected the Fergana and Alay valleys. The accumulation of the upper layer, in our opinion, is associated with the modern era.

Direct and indirect effects of fire on parasites in an African savanna

Abstract Fires in grassy ecosystems consume vegetation and initiate high‐quality regrowth, which results in pyric herbivory when mammalian grazers concentrate feeding in recent burns. For environmentally transmitted parasites with transmission mechanisms linked to vegetation structure, fire should exert direct effects on parasites, as well as indirect effects resulting from subsequent enhanced herbivory, which can affect parasite input and exposure to environmental conditions. We combined an experimental manipulation with observational data in the Serengeti National Park to investigate the direct and indirect effects of fire on parasites. We assessed the direct effects of fire by measuring changes in parasitic nematode larvae in the grass layer before and after fire on paired experimental burned and control plots. To investigate indirect effects linked to pyric herbivory, we sampled herbivore dung, grass biomass, ground temperature and larval densities every month for 5 months following fire in seven pairs of burned and unburned monitoring plots. Finally, to assess if fire‐driven changes to larval densities affected host infection burdens, we collected faecal samples from a key host, Grant's gazelle (Nanger granti), each month for 5 months to estimate within‐host parasite burdens. Fire killed all larvae and increased grazer dung inputs by 40% for 2 months following fire. Dung inputs after fire led to larval parasite recolonization of burned patches, but intense herbivory kept grass short and larval densities were associated with changes in ground temperature linked to grass biomass and ambient temperature. Grant's gazelles had lower parasite burdens when sampled in areas with higher compared to lower burned area fraction. Fire and pyric herbivory change the densities of larval parasites in the environment and divide the landscape into burned and unburned regions with distinct infection risks for local herbivores. The indirect effects quantified here represent a novel finding with major implications for all grazing systems impacted by fire.

Faecal nutrient deposition of domestic and wild herbivores in an alpine grassland

The contribution of herbivores to ecosystem nutrient fluxes through dung deposition has the potential to, directly and indirectly, influence ecosystem functioning. This process can be particularly important in nutrient-limited ecosystems such as alpine systems. However, herbivore dung content (carbon, C; nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; potassium, K) and stoichiometry (C/N) may differ among species due to differences in diet, seasonality, body type, feeding strategy, and/or digestive system with consequences for soil biogeochemistry. Here we explore how species, body size, and seasonality may result in differences in dung stoichiometry for four alpine herbivores (chamois, sheep, horse, and cattle). We found that herbivore dung nutrient content often varies among species as well as with body size, with the dung of small herbivores having larger C, N, and P faecal content. Seasonality also showed marked effects on faecal nutrient content, with a general pattern of decreasing levels of faecal P, N and an increase of C/N as the summer progresses following the loss of nutrient value of the vegetation. Moreover, we showed how herbivores play an important role as natural fertilizers of C, N, and P in our study area, especially cattle. Our study highlights the importance of considering the relative contribution of different herbivores to ecosystem nutrient fluxes in management practices, especially with ongoing changes in wild and domestic herbivore populations in alpine ecosystems.

Choose Local: Dung Addition from Native Herbivores Can Produce Substantial Positive Effects on the Growth of Native Grasses Compared to Livestock Dung

Livestock grazing and dung deposition can increase soil nutrients, contributing to the dominance of exotic species. Recent research suggests that native herbivore grazing has positive effects on native vegetation and soil health. However, little is known about the effects of native herbivore dung on plant growth and its potential implications for the restoration of degraded grasslands. This study examined the effects of dung addition from a native herbivore, kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), and ruminant livestock, sheep (Ovis aries), on biomass production and nutrient uptake of the native perennial wallaby grass (Rytidosperma auriculatum) and the annual exotic wild oat (Avena barbata), two of the most abundant grasses from the temperate grasslands of southern Australia. We conducted a glasshouse experiment, adding each type of dung to each plant species grown without competition in pots containing soil with a nutrient composition similar to that of old fields. Kangaroo dung produced higher wallaby grass aboveground biomass than other treatments and less wild oat aboveground biomass than the control. Kangaroo dung affected nutrient uptake but not nutrient concentration. Sheep dung had no effect. We demonstrated that native herbivores and livestock dung can have different effects on the biomass of native and invasive grasses. The higher nutrient uptake in wallaby grass appeared to be a consequence of the higher biomass production, suggesting that the effects produced by kangaroo dung could be related to its chemical and biological characteristics rather than its nutrient composition. Incorporating native herbivores’ dung or facilitating their presence can improve restoration outcomes in degraded grasslands.

Alternaria muriformis sp. nov., a New Species in Section Chalastospora Isolated from Herbivore Dung in Spain

In a survey of the mycobiota from the dung of herbivorous animals collected in natural areas in Spain, an Alternaria isolate was found. Morphological data and a multi-locus phylogenetic approach carried out through Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses with three gene markers (i.e., the internal transcribed spacer of rDNA, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and plasma membrane ATPase) revealed that it represents a novel Alternaria species in Chalastospora. Alternaria muriformis sp. nov. is described and illustrated here. It is closely related to Alternaria abundans, Alternaria armoraciae, and Alternaria breviramosa, but can be easily differentiated by its production of muriform conidia. Key morphological features of the members of the Chalastospora section are provided.

Podospora anserina.

Podospora anserina is a coprophilous ascomycete fungus that has been used as a model organism since the 1930s. It has been reported from numerous types of herbivore dung globally, but recent genetic analyses have determined that P. anserina is a member of a species complex. It is an obligate sexual species capable of self-fertilization, completing its lifecycle in ∼10 days under laboratory conditions. It has served as the basis for numerous discoveries, including new types of selfish genetic elements (Spoks and Starships), senescence plasmids, and prions.

Screening for suitable mixed microbial consortia from anaerobic sludge and animal dungs for biodegradation of brewery spent grain

Lignocellulosic wastes, such as brewery spent grain (BSG), represent valuable resources from a biorefinery perspective, being sources of both chemical and energy production. Improving degradation rates of these recalcitrant feedstocks is a necessity, and bioaugmentation with specialised microbial consortia can be a viable means of achieving this. Six sources of mixed microbial consortia were screened, using biodegradation activity tests, for their capacity to enhance production of both chemicals (volatile fatty acids or ethanol) and energy (biogas) from BSG. The inocula used were anaerobic granular sludge as i) intact granules and ii) crushed granules, iii) bovine rumen fluid, and a number of animal manures including iv) giraffe, v) rhinoceros, and vi) tiger. Amplicon sequencing was used to investigate prokaryotic communities within these inocula on day 0 and day 21. Despite herbivore dung harbouring the largest hydrolytic community, the best solids destruction was achieved using anaerobic granular sludge, either intact (64.8 ± 11.9%) or crushed (63.4 ± 3.7% VS destruction). Granular sludge also resulted in the highest gas production, followed by giraffe manure. Contrastingly, the highest volatile fatty acid accumulation was achieved using rhinoceros and tiger manure, at 3.86 (±0.55) and 3.20 (±0.74) gCOD L−1, respectively. Despite these two manure samples having the highest relative abundances of bacteria associated with cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, they supported the poorest solids destruction, perhaps due to the VFA accumulation therein. Thus, while some inocula aided BSG degradation, further research is required to determine the inhibitors of hydrolysis and therefore BSG degradation.

Species diversity in Penicillium and Acaulium from herbivore dung in China, and description of Acaulium stercorarius sp. nov

Species diversity in Penicillium and Acaulium from herbivore dung in China, and description of Acaulium stercorarius sp. nov

Fecal steroids as a potential tool for conservation paleobiology in East Africa

Conservation paleobiology seeks to leverage proxy reconstructions of ecological communities and environmental conditions to predict future changes and inform management decisions. Populations of East African megafauna likely changed during the Holocene in response to trends and events in the regional hydroclimate, but reconstructing these populations requires development of new proxies. We examine if fecal steroids are a viable proxy for megafauna populations since they are well preserved in sedimentary archives. We measured eleven fecal steroids in 87 fresh dung samples representing 22 species of megafauna in the Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) and a further seven samples from captive animals. Using this reference library, four distinctive groups are identified, which reflect diet and biochemical modification of these inputs during digestion by the gut microbiome. Carnivore dung is characterized by more than ~ 75% cholesterol and primate dung includes uniquely high proportions of coprostanol. Two groups of herbivore are distinguished by their differing proportions of phytosterols that are consumed by eating plants and 5β-stanols produced during digestion. Under cross validation a random forests statistical model accurately classified 72% of dung samples to the species level using fecal steroids. Variability among individuals and between wild and captive animals suggests that fecal steroids in herbivore dung may reflect diversity and variability in diet, while a lack of variability in carnivore dung indicates that they cannot be identified to the species level in most instances. Our results suggest that fecal steroids may have utility in reconstructing the time-evolving composition megafauna populations in East Africa.

Effect of the Crude Extract of Coprophilous Fungi on Some Bacterial Species Isolated from Cases of Mastitis.

Coprophilous fungi are a large group of fungi mostly found in herbivore dung and have an exclusive life cycle. This group of fungi produces many important metabolites which can be consumed in medicine or agriculture. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of these fungi on bacterial mastitis. A total of 50 dung samples were collected from four herbivores (cows, buffalos, sheep, and camels) from different areas of Basra. The moist chamber method was used for each sample to establish a fungal fruiting body and detect the type of the fungi. The coprophilous fungi included Aspergillus sp. (A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terrus), Chaetomium sp., Sordaria sp., and Podospora sp. which belong to the Ascomycetes class. PCR test was performed using the ITS region for confirmatory detection of species. The highest and the lowest number of isolated species was associated with cow dung and camel dung, respectively. The antimicrobial property of three different partitioned extracts (petroleum ether [F1], ethanol [F2], and water [F3]) prepared from some fungal mycelia was evaluated in vitro. All fractions were tested to detect antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion assay against five pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Enterobacter, Proteus mirabilis, and E. coli. which is isolated from bovine mastitis. Data revealed that all fractions could inhibit the tested bacteria. However, inhibitory activity was found to be dependent on (6i) the used fungal strains; (ii) the extracted solvent; and (iii) the tested bacteria. In general, the petroleum ether extracts (F1) derived from all fungi displayed the highest inhibitory activity against the testing bacteria. In conclusion, the present study concluded that the extracts prepared from the fungal mycelia contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. This study was first conducted in Iraq and further studies are required to develop new treatments.

Exploring the Later Stone Age at a micro-scale: New high-resolution excavations at Wonderwerk Cave

In 2018, we initiated renewed excavation of the Later Stone Age (LSA) deposits at Wonderwerk Cave. Here we describe the goals and initial results of the first two seasons of excavation, including the first micromorphological description of these deposits. We employed a small-scale excavation technique to emphasize precision recording and limit the destruction of sensitive deposits. Our preliminary results indicate that meaningful patterns in material culture records and paleoecological proxy materials can be derived from such investigations.Bioturbation of the LSA deposits is widespread in our micromorphological samples, suggesting that some post-depositional movement of the sediment occurred but did not impact overall stratigraphic integrity. This is supported by the radiocarbon chronology (derived from various material records), which indicates that this movement had a limited effect on the material record.Three technocomplexes (the Kuruman/Oakhurst, Wilton, and Historic) were identified in the new Wonderwerk lithic material record, alongside increasing evidence for a period of intensified use and/or occupation of the site during the Wilton – a pattern previously identified by the F. Thackeray's and A. Thackeray's 1970s excavations. New radiocarbon ages support previous determinations placing the timing of this intensification at ca. 6200 years cal BP.Faunal and ostrich eggshell records also support previous findings, confirming an anthropogenic origin for the faunal remains and suggesting that different pathways of OES bead production were employed at the site at different times. The presence of herbivore dung and associated spherulites in a micromorphology thin section provides a new potential line of evidence to support the Thackeray's tentative suggestion for sheep herding at the site ca. 2000 years BP. While this evidence is far from conclusive, it suggests that the Wonderwerk Cave LSA record may have a role to play in resolving the timing of the adoption of sheep by hunter-gatherers on the Ghaap Plateau.Our work on the LSA at Wonderwerk Cave serves as a touchstone within the more regionally focused Northern Cape Archaeology and Ecology Project (NCAEP) – an international and interdisciplinary research project studying the LSA paleoenvironment of the South African arid interior. Ultimately, NCAEP is designed to produce a multi-proxy diachronic climatic record of the Northern Cape firmly situated within new and existing radiocarbon chronologies.

Lasting decrease in functionality and richness: Effects of ivermectin use on dung beetle communities

Use of ivermectin in agro-ecosystems negatively affects non-target dung beetles, which provide keystone ecosystem services for pasture functioning. While the direct effects of ivermectin on dung beetles are at the center of scientific attention, its long-lasting effects on routinely treated pastures have not yet been studied on real communities and under field conditions. We focused on basic characteristics (species richness, abundance, biomass) and functionality (dung removal ability represented by guild composition) of dung beetle communities in response to ivermectin treatment. We selected 15 sites with routine ivermectin treatment and 11 without any treatment, both for at least five consecutive years prior to our sampling. We covered wide range of climatic conditions in the Czech Republic, seasonal variability, and sampled the dung of four main herbivore dung types. Additionally, we separated the samples from ivermectin treated sites into two categories, i) recently treated representing immediate effects (treated <8 weeks prior to sampling, expected lethal or sublethal levels of residues), and ii) long-ago treated representing lasting effects (treated >8 weeks, expected sublethal or inconsequential levels of residues). Ivermectin treated sites had ca. 35% lower species richness and 44% lower abundance per pat. Per pat biomass did not change. However, from a functional perspective, ivermectin use significantly decreased the biomass of beetles with high contribution to dung removal (relocating and dwelling beetles), while the biomass of beetles with low contribution (dung visiting adults with saprophagous larvae) was not affected. This was accomplished with decrease in per pat functionality at treated sites, i.e., the dung removal ability of the community. Our results highlight that the effects of ivermectin use can last far beyond its physical presence in the grazing system. Via its effects on dung beetles, routine antiparasitic treatment by ivermectin has negative consequences for both pasture biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Therefore, all alternatives should be carefully considered to ensure that the positives of any antiparasitic treatment outweigh the damages. In areas where biodiversity is of concern, as well as in organic farming systems, all precautions should be taken to avoid excretion of toxic residues on-site.

Dung beetle community assemblages in a southern African landscape: niche overlap between domestic and wild herbivore dung.

Dung beetles provide important ecosystem functions in semiarid environments, improving the physiochemical characteristics of the soil through tunnelling and burying nutrient-rich dung. In sub-Saharan Africa, diverse indigenous mammal communities support highly abundant dung beetle populations in savannah ecosystems. However, the conversion of landscapes to livestock agriculture may result in changes in the abundance and diversity of wild mammal species. This is likely to have significant impacts on dung beetle communities, particularly because domestic livestock dung may be contaminated with toxic residues of veterinary parasiticides. The environmental impact is likely to be affected by the degree of niche overlap between the beetle communities that colonize cattle dung and those that colonize the dung of wild mammals. We compared dung beetle communities between a pristine national park habitat dominated by large wild herbivores, and a pastoral farming community dominated by domestic livestock. Diurnal dung beetles were attracted to cattle dung in greater abundance and diversity compared to elephant, zebra or giraffe dung. Nocturnal/crepuscular dung beetles were attracted to non-ruminant dung (elephant and zebra) in higher abundance compared to ruminant dung (cattle and giraffe). Although there were no clear trophic specializations, three diurnal species showed an association with cattle dung, whereas eight nocturnal/crepuscular species showed an association with non-ruminant (elephant and zebra) dung. Diurnal species may be at greater risk from the toxic effects of residues of veterinary parasiticides in domestic livestock dung. Although many species showed trophic associations with wild herbivore dung, these beetles can utilize a wide range of dung and will readily colonize cattle dung in the absence of other options. As more land is converted to livestock agriculture, the contamination of dung with toxic residues from veterinary parasiticides could therefore negatively impact the majority of dung beetle species.

Dung preference and trophic association of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the moist forests of the South-western Ghats of the Indian subcontinent

• Quantitative dung beetle-feeding trophic networks from the Western Ghats in India. • Dung-association pattern and dietary specificity at native mammalian species level. • Assemblage of few dung specialists, species with preferences and more generalists. • Low overall specialisation and low resource partitioning. • Boar dung availability: crucial for sustainability rare species. First quantitative dung beetle-feeding trophic network analysis for the Oriental region is carried out by investigating trophic network interaction between dung beetles and mammal dung types in the moist forests of the Western Ghats a global biodiversity hot spot in south-western India. Dung-beetle assemblage associated with the dung of the prominent mammals, such as the macaque, boar, gaur, elephant and deer, showed differences in richness, abundance and composition among different dung types. Most dung beetles were generalists with low resource specificity and community-wide generalist feeding on herbivore and omnivore dung types. Dung beetles in the region displayed high species richness and abundance in boar dung. The high attraction and specificity of dung beetles towards the odoriferous boar dung indicate that the omnivore mammal Sus scrofa has a major role in maintaining the dung beetle community in the forests of the Western Ghats. Network interaction analysis shows that the vast majority in the assemblage are generalist species, and the few specialist species were all with low abundance. Low overall specialisation and low resource partitioning with high species richness is recorded in the assemblage. The assemblage's trophic level preference is reflected in the high dung specificity recorded in the omnivore and herbivore dung types.

Short-term study on the yak dung seed bank on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: effects of grazing season, seed characteristics and forage preferences

AimsViable seeds in herbivore dung constitute the dung seed bank, and the contribution of livestock dung to this seed bank in grazing pastures is often overlooked. Grazing season (warm and cold), seed characteristics (size and shape), and forage preference are the main factors that affect the size and composition of the dung seed bank and ultimately affect grassland ecology. However, how these three factors interact is unclear.MethodsWe collected yak dung as well as seeds of the common plant species from warm- and cold-season alpine meadows in northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and explored how grazing season (warm and cold), seed characteristics (size and shape) and foraging preferences (temporary cages method) affects yak dung seedling density, richness and diversity in an alpine pasture.ResultsForty-three plant species (mainly perennials) germinated from yak dung. Dung seedling density, richness, and diversity did not differ significantly between the two grazing seasons. Small to medium-sized spherical seeds (seed size < 10 mg, shape index < 0.5) had the greatest germination potential.ConclusionsYaks vary their forage preference depending on the season (phenological period), and endozoochory occurs throughout both grazing seasons. Seed shape and size directly regulate the dung seedling density, richness, and diversity. Dung seedlings increase the heterogeneity of the aboveground vegetation near the microsites of the dung pieces and therefore promote grassland patching. Our study demonstrates that grazing season, seed characteristics, and yak forage preferences affect the dung seed bank in grazing ecosystems.

Stoichiometric impact of herbivore dung versus urine on soils and plants

Stoichiometric impact of herbivore dung versus urine on soils and plants