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Update on the Dung

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Sustainable Agriculture

Since Autumn, we’ve had more than 22 landholders across the Wheatbelt commence dung beetle trapping to assist us in mapping them, and providing us with important data so we can lessen the gap and increase the spread of dung beetle species and create strong “beetle highways”.

So far, nine species have been identified in our Wheatbelt including a native dung beetle being the Onthophagus ferox. This one actually feeds on domestic animal dung. Only a handful, of the nearly 500 native dung beetles, will feed on domestic animal dung so this was an exciting find!

The many benefits dung beetles bring us, such as; control of flies and intestinal worms, breaking down soil compaction, improving water infiltration, soil carbon, aeration and biological function. Research has shown that where beetles are well established, pastures may be improved by up to 50% without the addition of any other management tools.

We’ve put together a document of seasonality and species of Dung Beetles which are found here, in the Wheatbelt.

There’s also a dedicated Dung Beetles website which identifies the species that are found near you. Visit the website here.

If you would like more information on all things dung beetles, from trapping to attracting them to your property, please get in contact with us by calling or emailing Millie Brady on 0488 959 156 or mbrady@wheatbeltnrm.org.au

This project is supported with funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

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Downloads
Dung Beetle Seasonality.pdf
15th September 2022