An experimental study on bioturbation and dung removal activities of Catharsius molossus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the Greater Himalaya

Abstract

In this artice, we studied the bioturbation and dung removal activity of dung beetle Catharsius molossus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in different elevations in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area for the first time to understand the capability of the species in providing such ecosystem services with an experimental approach in six different elevations in the area. We found that the weight of dung buried and bioturbation had significant difference between the elevations, and they had significant linear relationship with the elevations. Differences in such activities along the elevation can cause a low amount of nutrient transfer from the dung to the soil which can adversely affect the surrounding habitats.

Keywords

• Dung beetle
• Ecosystem service
• Elevational difference
• GHNPCA