Is Digitonthophagus gazella undergoing a naturalization process? A study case in a tropical dry forest of northern Colombia
Digitonthophagus gazella was deliberately introduced to several American countries to remove bovine manure and control hematophagous flies and gastrointestinal parasites. This species, typically found in open habitats, has opportunistic strategies for resource utilization, high reproductive and dispersal rates, and processes large quantities of cattle dung. As a result, it rapidly colonized the lowlands of the American continent, achieving a wide distribution; and being currently catalogued as an invasive exotic species in several tropical and subtropical countries. Based on research completed and samples taken during six years in three ecological environments (forest, intensive silvopastoral systems, and treeless pastures) in the Cesar River valley, northern Colombia, an analysis is proposed to evaluate whether D. gazella behaves as an invasive or a naturalized species. To assess information about its distribution, food preferences, relationship with native species during temporal succession in resource use, ecological functions related to removing dung and soil perturbation, and risks or benefits this species represents to native dung beetle fauna in the valley were weighed. A classification is presented utilizing conventional criteria. According to our analysis, D. gazella could be considered an introduced, naturalized species with minimal impact in the Cesar River valley since it did not enter the forest, did not generate competition through exclusion with native species, prefers bovine dung, completes ecologically important functions for cattle systems, and has economic benefits due to the reduction of agrochemical use. Further research is suggested to corroborate if these results operate nationwide.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Bogotá - Facultad de Ciencias - Instituto de Ciencias Naturales
2024
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/cal/article/view/105526 |
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