Discover the power of dung beetles
Dung beetles are nature’s soil engineers. By burying dung, they improve soil structure, boost pasture quality, reduce parasite loads, and help keep bush fly numbers in check. Despite their benefits, dung beetle populations across the south west are patchy or missing altogether.
GeoCatch is partnering with the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC) and Southern Forests Community Landcare (SFCL) to deliver the Dung Beetle Soil Health Initiative, a regional effort to better understand and harness the power of dung beetles for healthier soils and more productive farms.
The project investigates the critical role dung beetles play in controlling fly populations and enhancing soil health across South West Western Australia. It assesses both current conditions and future opportunities to optimise dung beetle activity, including the identification of species best suited to local environments and seasonal gaps.
As part of the initiative, GeoCatch is collaborating with five local farmers who are hosting monitoring sites on their properties. Dung beetle traps have been installed across these paddocks to collect data on beetle abundance, species diversity, and seasonal activity. In addition to tracking dung beetle populations, the monitoring also includes assessments of bush fly numbers at each site. This localised data will provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics between dung beetles and fly populations, and help inform targeted strategies for improving soil health and pest control across the region.
As part of the Dung Beetle Soil Health Initiative, landholders are invited to participate in a survey designed to assess current understanding and attitudes toward dung beetles and their role in farm management. The survey will be conducted at both the commencement and conclusion of the program to help identify any shifts in awareness or perception.
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