EUNIS Habitat Type Preferences of Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera) Species and Attractiveness of Different Baits

Scarabaeidae, including dung beetles, are saprophagous organisms that play crucial role in various ecosystem functions. They contribute to nitrogen cycling, seed dispersal, dung decomposition, parasite suppression, and habitat restoration. Their feeding habits include consuming plants, rotting materials, dung, and animal carcasses. While previous studies have focused on their feeding preferences and species diversity, the role of dung beetles in maintaining ecosystem health through processes such as dung removal, soil mixing, and nutrient recycling is significant for pasture ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation has been shown to impact dung beetle populations, and increasing anthropogenic pressures lead to ecosystem deterioration. Dung beetles aid in fecal decomposition, which enhances nutrient cycling and soil health. The Scarabaeidae were sampled from May 2018 to October 2019 with pitfall traps on Kazan Hills, Ankara. This study aimed to explore the effects of EUNIS habitat types and food sources on the species richness, abundance, diversity, and composition of Scarabaeidae communities. Among the evaluated EUNIS habitat types, the steppe habitat (E1.2) had the highest species richness and diversity. In contrast, the least diverse and species-rich habitats were G3.5 and X18. In our study, the attractant used was dung, which attracted the greatest number and variety of beetles by a significant margin.