Landscape diversity of pasture dung beetle communities in the central region of mainland Japan and implications for conservation management

摘要: We studied the diversity of dung beetle communities in Japanese pastures to identify factors that maintain or enhance beetles at a landscape scale. surveyed from 17 located northeastern part Tochigi Prefecture, which is center mainland Japan. From 1999 2001, surveys were conducted during 6-month grazing period (May October) by using baited basket traps. also collected information about environmental conditions and pasture management practices. Twenty-five species belonging Geotrupinae, Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae (including 13 tunneler 12 dweller species) recorded. The abundance decreased with increasing elevation, possibly because effect rainfall, whereas richness was affected cattle disturbance soil condition. Beetle significantly increased number years had been grazed. Ivermectin administration did not appear have any adverse on abundance, richness, diversity. datasets current study specific groups) supported widely documented positive relationship between local distribution ranges. within pasture, area, area hierarchical additive partitioning regional total indicated landscape-scale should be implemented conserve inhabiting pastures.