Dung beetle community data at Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project in 2022

The Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project (KRCP) is a critical initiative aimed at safeguarding the delicate tropical forest ecosystems in the Tongod and Kinabatangan districts of Sabah, located on the island of Malaysian Borneo. These ecosystems encompass a total area of 83,381 hectares and primarily consist of lowland and hill mix dipterocarp forests, which are known for their rich biodiversity and ecological importance. To achieve this, the project focuses on dung beetles as a focal taxon for study due to their strong dependence on mammal dung. The presence and diversity of dung beetles serve as valuable indicators of ecosystem health, making them a suitable proxy for monitoring changes in forest ecosystems. In addition, Dung beetles play a vital role in nutrient cycling and decomposition processes within ecosystems. Their presence and activity are closely linked to the overall health and functioning of the forest. Monitoring dung beetle populations can provide insights into the ecological values of the KRCP area. By understanding the dynamics of dung beetle populations in response to human activities and habitat changes, the KRCP project can inform conservation efforts in the region. We used human dung for all ground pitfall traps and canopy traps, and the traps were set in the field for 24 hours. The fieldwork were conducted on September 2022.