Making a passionate case for the future survival of dung beetles, entomologist Sally-Ann Spencer told conference the vital role they play in supporting healthy ecosystems.
“We all talk about the importance of soil health and biology, and dung beetles offer a valuable ecosystem function in breaking down dung, as well as playing a vital role in reducing our parasite burden.”
She added that without dung beetles, farmers will struggle to breakdown their ‘pats’ as quickly and warned that over 50% of UK dung beetle species are listed as threatened, to some degree.
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She highlighted that climate change, the reduction in livestock numbers and the use of chemical treatments were some of the threats facing their extinction and called for farmers to look at introducing the likes of winter grazing, native breeds and alternative parasite control as potential conservation measures.
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