The Benefits of Dung Beetles for Livestock Producers

They may be small but dung beetles can provide some big ecosystem benefits on-farm. The Dung Beetle Ecosystem Engineers (DBEE) project aims to fill in the gaps in the distribution of beetles in southern Australia by introducing new species.

It will also build on previous research to:

expand the distribution of existing species

develop a supply and distribution pipeline so more livestock producers can access beetles

The national research project will also quantify the ecosystem services and economic benefits provided by dung beetles.

The dung beetle project is expected to provide significant benefits to livestock producers, with aims to:

01. IMPROVE SOIL IN GRAZING SYSTEMS

02. REDUCE THE SPREAD OF DISEASES AND INSECT PESTS, SUCH AS BUSH FLIES

03. INCREASE PASTURE HEALTH

04. REDUCE NUTRIENT RUN-OFF INTO WATERWAYS