Diversity, distinctiveness and conservation status of the Mediterranean coastal dung beetle assemblage in the Regional Natural Park of the Camargue (France)

摘要: The Mediterranean region as a whole has the highest dung beetle species richness within Europe. Natural coastal habitats in this are among those which have suffered severe human disturbance. We studied divers- ity and distinctiveness one of most important protected areas west Euro- (the regional Park Camargue, southern France) made comparisons assemblages with other nearby Mediterra- nean localities, well pro- tected area (Dofiana National Park, Spain). Our finding showed that: (1) Camargue is low only grasslands similar level rich- ness abundance to inland localities. unique (beaches, dunes marshes) largely colonized by widely distributed hinterland. (2) In spite their general distinctiveness, dune marsh edges charac- terized occurrence two rare, vulnerable, specialized large roller genus Scarabaeus. As current findings suggest recent decline Scarabaeus populations loss communities Camargue. (3) comparison between Dofiana shows that, local diversity both areas. Unique historical geographical factors can explain convergence striking divergence composition territories.