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Data from: Global impacts of agricultural and timber plantations on dung beetle biodiversity

López-Bedoya, Pablo A.1; Edwards, David P.2; Edwards, Felicity A.2; Correa, César M. A.3; Louzada, Júlio1; Noriega, Jorge A.4

Published Mar 19, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jq2bvq8qm

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Abstract

The ongoing conversion of natural forests to timber and agricultural plantations has driven rapid biodiversity loss. It is crucial to assess the remaining ecological value of these production areas and to examine how their management and location influence this value. This study aims to determine the pattern of effects resulting from the conversion of natural forests to agricultural and timber plantations on invertebrates, using dung beetles as a crucial bioindicator group that performs essential ecological functions. We conducted a comprehensive global meta-analysis, using 109 published articles yielding 444 effect sizes to assess dung beetle species richness and abundance in various types of plantations, including annual crops, cocoa, coffee, forestry, oil palm, and rubber. We examined whether the response varied based on plantation management characteristics (origin, connectivity to natural forest, size) or geographic location (zoogeographical region, biodiversity hotspot). Our findings indicated overall negative impacts on dung beetle species richness and abundance, with these effects more pronounced in oil palm and rubber plantations. The severity of impacts was greater in agricultural plantations that utilized species outside their natural distribution range, isolated from natural forests, and implemented over large areas. These effects were pronounced particularly in the Neotropical and Oriental regions. In vulnerable areas, protecting natural forests can help to reduce biodiversity loss. When economic and social contexts, such as in the Neotropical and Oriental regions, hinder conservation strategies, establishing small-scale plantations of native, structurally diverse species connected to remaining forests may enhance dung beetle diversity, likely reflecting more favourable microclimates and food resources.