Ana (Guida) M. C. Santos

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Nature provides many benefits to mankind through the ecosystem functions (EF) species perform. Species diversity is an important driver of EF, that depends on multi-scale processes, from the species pool, to environmental filtering and biotic interactions. Global changes, particularly in climate, can affect diversity, with the consequent reduction in EFs. Many EF are provided by insects, among which stand out dung beetles (DB; Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) that feed on excrements, and, by burying it, contribute to the mineralization, seed dispersal, availability of soil nutrients, etc.

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DUNGPOOL aims to evaluate the effect of the species pool, community assembly processes, and increasing temperatures on the local diversity and EFs performed by DB in cattle-grazed pasturelands. DUNGPOOL will focus on different spatial scales, from a global scale to a regional scale including two areas (Sierra de Madrid, mainland Spain; and the islands of the Azores), evaluating 3 EFs: dung removal, seed dispersal and nutrient supply to the soil.

We will use different approaches, data and types of experiments, both in the field and in the laboratory. Using available data on dung removal and DB local diversity from a previous study conducted globally led by the PI, we will evaluate the effects of the species pool on local diversity and on the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship (BEF; focusing on dung removal).

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We will also use a combination of DB sampling on the areas that could potentially act as the species pool, and manipulative field experiments using open top chambers (OTC) that warm the dung inside (c.1.5ºC in respect to outside temperature) and control units that do not, to assess the individual and combined effects of species pool diversity and climate change on local species diversity (both species richness and functional diversity), EF, and BEF. By performing these tasks in Madrid and Azores, two regions with disparate historical and ecological contexts, we will be able to know how general results are, and how these can be extrapolated to other regions.

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DUNGPOOL also includes mesocosm experiments both in the laboratory and in the field, to assess how EF provision by DB is influenced by species interactions and priority effects (i.e. the differentiated arrival of species), and how temperature affects such relationships. This will be achieved using: (i) walk-in chambers that allow controlling temperature conditions (using control temperature corresponding to the outside temperature, and adding 2ºC to this basal temperature, to simulate temperatures as predicted by IPCC); and (ii) using OTCs (closed on the top to prevent DB from escaping) in the field (in Madrid region). In both cases, we will place 2 DB species in these chambers, either individually or together, with individuals and/or species being added in different moments of time (4 hours apart). After 72 hours of exposure, we will measure EFs under the different species combinations and temperature regimes.

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DUNGPOOL will be a fundamental cornerstone for our understanding of the multi-scale determinants of BEF relationships under changing environmental conditions, an essential step for designing sustainable environmental policies and landscape planning based on ecosystem resilience to global change. It will also set the basis of a research program that provides high-quality experimental assessments of the impact of global warming in the delivery of EFs provided by insects.