The release, and monitoring the establishment of, Onthophagus vacca and Bubas bubalus in high-care field rearing environment in southern Australia

Summary

​This project involved the release of Onthophagus vacca and Bubas bubalus dung beetles, in addition to monitoring locations in WA, SA and VIC. A release and monitoring protocol was developed to guide activities. The currently available data that could be used to define gaps in the distribution of introduced and native dung beetles in southern Australia were examined in principle and five complementary avenues for assessing the gaps in dung beetle activity were recognised. Each of these has been examined and recommendations for further action provided.