Habitat type affects the diversity of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) assemblages in a neotropical mountainous region of Colombia

Abstract Ecological communities of tropical regions respond to habitat configuration, being negatively affected by anthropogenic habitats. In the tropics, mountainous highland landscapes sustain ecological with contrasting responses transformation. This study assessed effect different habitats under disturbance regimes on dung beetle assemblage that inhabits a Andean landscape in Colombia. The types surveyed were oak forest cores (low intervention), edges (medium and pastures (high intervention). A total 3,810 beetles from ten species collected. Dung diversity was type, had higher than pastures. Besides, each type characterized distinct assemblage, showing highest heterogeneity assemblage. conclusion, our suggests portion Colombian are sensitive shifts quality. forested indicates comprise limiting environments for their assemblages at this region.