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Functionally richer communities improve ecosystem functioning: Dung removal and secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles in the Western Palaearctic
Author(s) -
Milotić Tanja,
Baltzinger Christophe,
Eichberg Carsten,
Eycott Amy E.,
Heurich Marco,
Müller Jörg,
Noriega Jorge A.,
Menendez Rosa,
Stadler Jutta,
Ádám Réka,
Bargmann Tessa,
Bilger Isabelle,
Buse Jörn,
Calatayud Joaquín,
Ciubuc Constantin,
Boros Gergely,
JayRobert Pierre,
Kruus Märt,
Merivee Enno,
Miessen Geoffrey,
Must Anne,
Ardali Elham,
Preda Elena,
Rahimi Iraj,
Rohwedder Dirk,
Rose Rob,
Slade Eleanor M.,
Somay László,
Tahmasebi Pejman,
Ziani Stefano,
Hoffmann Maurice
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1365-2699
pISSN - 0305-0270
DOI - 10.1111/jbi.13452
Subject(s) - dung beetle , ecology , biology , scarabaeidae , scarabaeinae , biological dispersal , invertebrate , ecosystem , beta diversity , species richness , population , demography , sociology
Aim In several ecosystems, the diversity of functional species traits has been shown to have a stronger effect on ecosystem functioning than taxonomic diversity alone. However, few studies have explored this idea at a large geographical scale. In a multisite experiment, we unravelled the relationship between ecosystem function and functional completeness of species assemblages using dung beetles as a model group, focusing on dung removal and secondary seed dispersal. Location Seventeen grassland locations across the Western Palaearctic. Methods We used a randomized block design with different exclosure types to control the dung and seed removing activities of individual functional groups of the local dung beetle assemblage. We classified dung beetle species according to resource specialization and into functional groups based on dung processing behaviour (dwellers, tunnellers, rollers) and body size (small, large). Additionally, we assessed the role of other soil macro‐invertebrates. By sampling the dung beetle community and measuring the remaining dung and seeds after the experiment, the impact of each functional group was estimated. Results Dung beetle assemblages differed along a north–south and east–west gradient. Dwellers dominated northernmost sites, whereas at lower latitudes we observed more tunnellers and rollers indicating a functional shift. Resource specialists were more abundant in southern and eastern areas. Overall, functional group diversity enhanced dung removal. More dung (+46.9%) and seeds (+32.1%) were removed in the southern sites and tunnellers and rollers were more effective. At the northernmost sites, where tunnellers were scarce or absent, other soil macro‐invertebrates removed the majority of dung. Main conclusions The conservation of functionally complete dung beetle assemblages is crucial to maintain the ecosystem functions provided by dung beetles. Given the latitudinal variation in functional group diversity, it is reasonable to expect compositional changes due to climate change. These changes could lead to increased dung removal and a higher secondary seed dispersal rate in northern regions.