Dung life: Final report

<p dir="ltr">Dung beetle species were introduced into New Zealand to improve ecosystem outcomes. Research overseas suggests that dung beetles increase the rate of dung decomposition and improve nutrient cycling, bioturbation and plant growth. Research in New Zealand also report faster dung decomposition and reduced nutrient runoff associated with dung beetles. However, research on these aspects has been typically conducted in the absence of other dung fauna which also contribute to these same outcomes. The aims of this project were to (1) monitor dung beetle establishment, (2) assess the impact of dung beetles on dung decomposition and (3) gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) that infect livestock, across seasons in conjunction with earthworm populations. </p><p dir="ltr">Report number RE450/2025/040</p>