Changes in resources: consequences for the dynamics of dung beetle communities.
Abstract
The effects of a change from sheep to cattle grazing on dung beetle [Scarabaeidae] communities were studied under Mediterranean conditions in France in 1987-90. Dung resources had increased by a factor of 3 and there was a 3-fold increase in scarabaeid numbers and a 2.5-fold increase in biomass by 5 years after the change in grazing. Marked readjustments in the communities occurred, as dwellers became dominant, coexisting with medium and large tunnellers. There were no significant changes in species composition.