Denver, Colo. – As summer temperatures soar, local dung beetles may be frantically searching for fresh droppings to secure a cooling, nutritious portion that double as thermal refuges and pantry for themselves and their larvae. In the East African savannas, finding that dung may be an easier task as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has found in its recent research paper, authored by curator of entomology Frank Krell and Sylvia Krell-Westerwalbesloh, that reveals that just one elephant can provide enough dung to feed millions of dung beetles.
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The study, published in the journal The Science of Nature, deepens our comprehension of the complex interactions within ecosystems. The study shows that one single adult elephant can sustain an astonishing 2.12 million dung beetles on any given day in East African savannas. This is an extrapolation of almost 14,000 specimens the couple found in two pounds of elephant dung. This remarkable observation marks the highest number of dung beetles per kilogram of mammal dung ever recorded in scientific literature, based on an actual count.
Read more: How Many Beetles Does it Take To Eat Elephant Poop?
Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Dr. Frank Krell, the lead author of the study, commented: "This study highlights how important elephants are to the entire ecosystem. The decline or extinction of elephants, particularly in East African grasslands, could have a massive cascade effect on the populations of coprophagous beetles and the entire biota that depends on or benefits from their presence."
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is committed to promoting and supporting scientific research that advances our understanding of the natural world. This study highlights the critical importance of preserving and protecting elephant populations and the delicate balance of ecosystems in East African savannas. Dr. Krell is now available for interviews.
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About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region’s leading resource for formal and informal science education. Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Connect with the Museum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.