New dung beetle species shows promise after first year

A WINTER-ACTIVE species of dung beetle has proved successful in its first year of introduction to fill a critical gap in Tweed’s grazing land.

In May 2023 the Tweed Shire’s Sustainable Agriculture Program released the beetle onto six Tweed grazing properties. The team conducted a recent survey which indicated 50 per cent of the grazing sites have signs of successful beetle survival and reproduction.

The shire’s acting program leader for sustainable agriculture Aiden Sloman said the initial results were promising.

“A healthy dung beetle population improves soil health and pasture production, reduces waterway pollution by burying and dispersing dung, and lowers the population of harmful parasites such as buffalo fly and ringworm.

“While more time and additional surveys are needed to accurately determine population growth and dispersal, these early results are promising and give us hope for the future integration of this species.”

The new species, Onitis caffer, was introduced to supplement the existing beetle population in its winter dormant period. During this time pasture production is hampered by a lack of beetle activity and creates an overabundance of cattle dung, which in turn can cause environmental and animal health issues.

“If we can successfully establish Onitis caffer, it will be a huge step towards enhancing the sustainability of the Tweed’s grazing lands.

“These impressive beetles are known for burying dung over 50cm deep, which is deeper than most of our established species,” Mr Sloman said.

“Dung beetles do a lot for us, so it’s vital we help them thrive wherever we can.”

He said dung beetles in adult, egg and larval forms could be severely affected by common chemicals used to manage animal parasites.

“We can do a lot to protect dung beetles, like holistic best practice integrated pest management approaches and using dung beetle-friendly drenches and ear tags.”

To find out more about Tweed Shire’s sustainable agriculture initiatives, head to tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture-farming