Assessing the diversity of dung beetle assemblages utilizing Japanese monkey feces in cool-temperate forests |
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Authors: | Hiroto Enari Shinsuke Koike Haruka Sakamaki |
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Institution: | (1) Section of Ecology and Conservation, Department of Ecology and Social Behavior, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin, Inuyama Aichi, 484-8506, Japan;(2) Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan;(3) Science of Biotic Environment, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka Iwate, 020-8550, Japan;(4) Present address: Satoyama Science Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Minemachi 350, Utsunomiya Tochigi, 321-8505, Japan |
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Abstract: | Ecological investigation of the distribution and composition of dung beetle species utilizing feces of wild mammals has rarely
been attempted, especially in cool-temperate forests. In this study we recorded and evaluated the community structure of dung
beetle species utilizing feces of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) by conducting a macro-scale inventory survey in the northeastern Shirakami Mountains, located in the northernmost part of
mainland Japan. Moreover, to assess the effect of human-induced forest disturbance on species assemblages in this cool-temperate
area, we also carried out field sampling using pitfall traps baited with monkey feces in primary forests, secondary forests,
and coniferous plantations, during every season except winter. Our findings were: (1) 14 dung beetle species comprising eight
dwellers and six tunnelers utilized monkey feces; (2) Aphodius eccoptus was the core species in dung beetle assemblages attracted to the feces during spring and summer; (3) the frequency of occurrence
of every species was extremely high in spring; and (4) human-induced forest disturbance did not increase species richness
or biomass in cool-temperate forests. |
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