If humans had the same determination and sense of purpose as dung beetles, perhaps the world would be a better place…
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These mini 4x4s, of which there are 800 species living in South Africa, are fascinating creatures. If you have ever paused to watch one trying to push a ball of dung over a little rise – head down and back legs up – you will know exactly what I mean. Giving up is rarely an option, even when its precious cargo keeps rolling back down the incline and he is forced to start his ascent all over again.
The dung beetle’s expertly made poo parcels have many uses. They are a source of nourishment, an ideal den for laying eggs, and for some male species, a nuptial gift to lure in a lucky lady, the bigger the ball of dung, the more impressive… how’s that for a romantic wedding gift!?
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But the dung beetles in South Africa’s Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape are even more unique because they don’t have wings.They are a sub-species named Circellium bacchu or simply called the Addo Elephant Park’s flightless dung beetles, one of the rarest species of dung beetle.
They once had a much wider range but due to the disappearance of elephants, rhinos and buffalo (the producers of their favourite dung) in many areas, they are now almost exclusively endemic to Addo. It’s no wonder with the reserve having more than 500 ellies!
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So next time you’re in Addo Elephant Park (just an hours drive from PE), don’t forget to stop and give some attention to these special dung beetles. The work they do may not seem very important, but it is – their tunnelling movements (used to bury the ball of dung in the ground once eggs have been laid in it), air-rate the soil and spread organic matter over the ground like compost.
Full blog post with more info and pics here. Re-blogged with permission.
About the blogger
If not adventuring in the African bush, the chances are I’m dreaming about it. My childhood played a big role in this passion as I was privileged to travel much of Southern Africa from an early age.
Needless to say, I’m happiest barefoot with a sketchbook in hand – watching elephants at a water hole or listening to lions roaring around a campfire. Wildlife, children and storytelling are a big part of my life.
Read my blog here: http://www.bushboundgirl.com/
Find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BushBoundGirl
Luxury Addo accommodation
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Set on a 14 000-hectare private concession within the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, River Bend is family friendly and a mere 45-minute drive from Port Elizabeth. Home to the Big Five, River Bend is renowned for its unique viewing opportunities of elephants and includes a checklist of over 300 birds.
The eight stand-alone and individually decorated spacious suites have private patios which open onto the bushveld and afford guests the impression that they are the only ones in this unique Eastern Cape wilderness.