Vanegas-Alarcón, D. A.1
[0000-0002-4394-1711]
, davidvaneal@gmail.com
Arellano Gámez, L.1
[0000-0001-6364-2447]
, lucrecia.arellano@inecol.mx
Díaz-Rojas, A.3, alfonso.diaz@inecol.edu.mx
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología A.C.
Abstract
OFire has historically been used as a management tool in cattle ranches of Veracruz, Mexico, to renew pastures and control parasites. However, repeated burning can negatively affect soil fertility and the diversity of soil fauna. This study evaluated the impact of fire use on dung beetle communities (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), key organisms in nutrient cycling and pasture maintenance. Dung beetles contribute to ecosystem functioning by removing dung, burying organic matter, and enhancing soil porosity and gas exchange. Results showed that recurrent fire events reduce the establishment of several dung beetle species, particularly necrophagous and tunneling taxa, while favoring species associated with cattle dung due to increased resource availability after burning. The decline of dung beetle diversity and functions may lead to pasture degradation, dung accumulation, and proliferation of flies and parasites. The findings highlight the need for planned and reduced fire use to conserve dung beetle assemblages and sustain ecosystem services in cattle landscapes of the region
How to cite
Vanegas-Alarcón, D.A., Díaz Rojas, A. & Arellano L. (2025). Los escarabajos peloteros: una historia de fuego. La Crónica de Hoy. https://www.cronica.com.mx/academia/2025/09/12/los-escarabajos-peloteros-una-historia-de-fuego