Agricultural intensification and African dung-insect biodiversity
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Scoping
VALUE £2,950
WHERE Zambia
Summary
Theoretical population modelling suggests that the observed levels of toxicity could significantly damage dung-community biodiversity thereby disrupting dung dispersal and pasture productivity (Wardhaugh et al., 1998; Vale & Grant, 2002). However, field studies to examine whether the increased use of pyrethroid application on cattle to control pests is having a damaging effect on African dung fauna are rare and their results contradictory (Kruger et al., 1998, 1999). Hence, there is an urgent need to determine whether the theoretical predictions are a reality in the field. Until detailed field studies are undertaken it will not be possible to assess how seriously the African dung fauna are threatened by the frequent insecticidal treatment of cattle.
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