View article

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 …