Data from: Global impacts of agricultural and timber plantations on dung beetle biodiversity

The ongoing conversion of natural forests to timber and agricultural
plantations has driven rapid biodiversity loss. It is crucial to assess
the remaining ecological value of these production areas and to examine
how their management and location influence this value. This study aims to
determine the pattern of effects resulting from the conversion of natural
forests to agricultural and timber plantations on invertebrates, using
dung beetles as a crucial bioindicator group that performs essential
ecological functions. We conducted a comprehensive global meta-analysis,
using 109 published articles yielding 444 effect sizes to assess dung
beetle species richness and abundance in various types of plantations,
including annual crops, cocoa, coffee, forestry, oil palm, and rubber. We
examined whether the response varied based on plantation management
characteristics (origin, connectivity to natural forest, size) or
geographic location (zoogeographical region, biodiversity hotspot). Our
findings indicated overall negative impacts on dung beetle species
richness and abundance, with these effects more pronounced in oil palm and
rubber plantations. The severity of impacts was greater in agricultural
plantations that utilized species outside their natural distribution
range, isolated from natural forests, and implemented over large areas.
These effects were pronounced particularly in the Neotropical and Oriental
regions. In vulnerable areas, protecting natural forests can help to
reduce biodiversity loss. When economic and social contexts, such as in
the Neotropical and Oriental regions, hinder conservation strategies,
establishing small-scale plantations of native, structurally diverse
species connected to remaining forests may enhance dung beetle diversity,
likely reflecting more favourable microclimates and food resources.