Assessing the diversity of dung beetle assemblages utilizing Japanese monkey feces in cool-temperate forests

摘要: Ecological investigation of the distribution and composition dung beetle species utilizing feces wild mammals has rarely been attempted, especially in cool-temperate forests. In this study we recorded evaluated community structure Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) by conducting a macro-scale inventory survey northeastern Shirakami Mountains, located northernmost part mainland Japan. Moreover, to assess effect human-induced forest disturbance on assemblages area, also carried out field sampling using pitfall traps baited with monkey primary forests, secondary coniferous plantations, during every season except winter. Our findings were: (1) 14 comprising eight dwellers six tunnelers utilized feces; (2) Aphodius eccoptus was core attracted spring summer; (3) frequency occurrence extremely high spring; (4) did not increase richness or biomass