Lake Macquarie Council's Dung Beetle Release Evaluation (NSW)
by J. Parsons and R. Schimpf, February, 2002
Overview
Dung beetles were introduced into Australia to assist the break down of cattle dung accumulated in pastures, due to the native dung species inability to do so. CSIRO Entomology, who selected the most appropriate species according to the climatic conditions, carried out introduction of exotic dung beetle species into areas of suitable climatic conditions. In eastern Australia, Onthophagus taurus has the ability to survive the temperate climate and utilize a wide range of food sources that includes cattle dung and potentially domesticated dog faeces. Therefore local government agencies have utilized this species of dung beetle as a tool to remove dog feaces from public areas such as parklands.
Project aims
This study was conducted for Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) to assess a dung beetle release program of O. taurus in parklands within the Lake Macquarie catchment to target dog faeces. Although other local government agencies have also used dung beetles to remove dog faeces from public areas, LMCC has been the first to identify that follow up work is required to assess the beetle population survival and effectiveness of faeces removal. The aims of this study was to, first, develop a surveying technique to record the presence or absence of dung beetles, secondly, to survey previous release sites of O. taurus to ascertain if populations of this species have been maintained since release and thirdly, to report on the success of LMCC's dung beetle release program and provide recommendations for future release sites.
Methodology
Surveying was conducted in January and February 2002 using two methods at thirteen previous release sites. Field surveying was the first method used and involved a systematic search of each site on foot looking for dog faeces that exhibited signs of beetle activity. Secondly, baited pitfall traps were placed at sites of appropriate habitat using fresh dog faeces as the bait source. One set of three pitfall traps was placed at a representative suitable O.taurus habitat site for each of the three release dates.
Results
The overall results of this study, combining both survey methods, showed that no individuals of O. taurus were recorded at any of the previous release sites. Native dung beetles were found to be present at all but three sites. Onthophagus dandalu was the most abundant of the native dung beetle species found.
Recommendations
Prior to any future release of O. taurus into areas surrounding Lake Macquarie the following recommendations are to be considered.
- Future release sites to be of a suitable habitat defined as wide-open areas with minimal tree canopy cover.
- Further research to be carried out into the suitability of dog faeces as an appropriate food source for O. taurus.
- Surveys of local areas that contain the known preferred food source, cattle dung, to determine if previously released colonies have migrated to such areas.
- Regular surveys of any future releases on a temporal scale of no more than six months between surveys.
For more information
For a copy of the full report or further information on Dung Beetles in Lake Macquarie please contact Danielle Lloyd-Prichard on 02 4921 0245 or DLloydPrichard@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
