Regional Dung Beetle Survey
The Small Farms Network is interested in undertaking a survey of dung beetles in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area over the next 12 months with your help.
The first Saturday of each month (starts Saturday August 6th 2011), will be the designated snap shot in time for our regional dung beetle collection.
Process to collect and send
Collect dung beetles across your farm / paddock (usually where cattle are currently grazing) place beetles in boiling water (3 per species) and dry them out overnight. Place beetles in a match box or small container, include date, exact location, contact details of collector and send to: PO Box 148, Kiama NSW 2533.
Each landholder who contributes to the survey will receive a copy of the Lucy Vale Dung Beetle Resource Pack which is full of information on dung beetles. You will also go into the draw to win a colony of dung beetles to be released in 2012.
Regional Release History
Have you brought dung beetles privately or received a grant for them in the past. The Network is interested in documenting previous releases of dung beetles across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Please email me with species, number released, date, year, location and source if know.
Email: abritton@southerncouncils.nsw.gov.au
Overall Target
- To obtain a better understanding of species distribution in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area
- Determine species establishment success – have we wasted our time and money on unsuitable species
- Document the history of dung beetles in the region to guide future investment
For more information contact:
Andrew Britton
Small Farms Coordinator
Ph: 4232 3200
Landholders releasing dung beetles,
Milton, June 2011
Geotrupes spiniger
(Winter Active Dung Beetles)
June 201