Effects of logging road networks on the ecological functions of dung beetles in Peninsular Malaysia

摘要: The loss of forest biodiversity via anthropogenic disturbance is severe in tropical countries and its consequences to ecological functions are global concern. Selective logging one the main causes degradation, impacts often result from construction road networks such as skid trails, roads log yards. However, effects narrow clearings on forest-dependent species associated have rarely been studied. present study therefore aimed assess dung burial secondary seed dispersal by beetles. abundance all functional guilds total biomass beetles were drastically low at clearings, but guild composition was only significantly different between interior Dung rates decreased with canopy openness, where 40% remained unburied beads (seed mimics) piles buried deeper more frequently yards than interior. In contrast, horizontal seed-removal distance longer clearing sites. Reduced rates, shorter, removal implies a negative effect efficiency other imposition limits number size would be effective for retaining performed diverse after logging.