Anthropogenic disturbance may promote the invasion of forest landscape by an open-habitat specialist introduced dung beetle species in Brazil

Digitonthophagus gazella, a dung beetle species introduced into many countries as a biological control agent for cattle dung removal, is adapted to open pastures and avoid shaded areas such as forests. With a short development period, high fecundity, and long dispersion capability,D. gazellais an effective competitor that is considered an invasive species in many countries. Until recently, only one study evaluated its possible presence in a small forest area, suggesting an invasion process might be occurring. We report here the presence ofD. gazellain five distinct forest landscapes (FLs): a regenerating native forest, a reforested native forest, and three forests with exotic plant species. The FLs are embedded in an area with several other FLs, which is surrounded by a river and a pasture. However, cattle have access to these FLs. We found that the anthropogenic disturbances may be facilitating the species dispersal to shaded habitats as there was a higher abundance ofD. gazellain areas where cattle were more active. The possibility of this species in invading FLs is worrisome because it has been shown thatD. gazellacan cause significant negative impacts to the native dung beetle community, which is of great ecological importance for the ecosystem.

Automated summary

The dung beetle species Digitonthophagus gazella, introduced as a biological control agent for cattle dung removal, is adapted to open pastures but considered invasive in some countries due to its high fecundity and dispersal capability. Its potential invasion into forest landscapes, where it can impact native dung beetle communities, is a concern.