Abstract:

Biological invasion is a major problem in the Anthropocene as it causes biodiversity loss. Not only do dung beetles serve as the primary decomposers of animal feces, but they also play critical roles in numerous ecosystem functions, so they seemed as key species in terrestrial ecosystem. Invasive mammals have a more significant impact than other taxonomic groups. Non-native mammals introduce their feces into native ecosystems, as new resources for coprophagous animals. Understanding how non-native mammal invasions affect the dynamics of native dung beetle communities is a critical ecological issue. In this study, I developed a novel population dynamics model and analyzed it using numerical calculations. In the scenario I explore, non-native mammals invade a native community where native mammals, native generalist dung beetles, and native specialist dung beetles coexist. generalist can use invasive mammal feces, but specialist cannot. After the mammal invasion, specialist populations declined as invasive mammal carrying capacities increased along with dung beetle competition coefficients. Generalist prefer native feces, specialist declined more. This study suggests that the possibility of coexistence of the native dung beetle community decreases with non-native mammal invasion.
I also speak about field study focusing on deer feces and gut microbiome. I'd like to introduce you to the world of animals surrounded feces