VU

Onthophage ovatus

Onthophagus ovatus

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Onthophagus ovatus faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread use of veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly ivermectin and other antiparasitic drugs, which persist in livestock dung and prove lethal to dung beetle larvae. Agricultural intensification has eliminated traditional grazing systems and reduced the availability of suitable dung resources, while habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the timing of dung availability and affecting the species' temperature-sensitive reproductive cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

This dung beetle species inhabits temperate grasslands, pastures, and open woodlands where it depends on fresh mammalian dung for breeding and feeding. It shows particular association with cattle and sheep grazing areas, requiring well-drained soils suitable for tunnel construction and brood ball burial.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Onthophage ovatus classified as Vulnerable?
Onthophage ovatus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Onthophagus ovatus faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread use of veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly ivermectin and other antiparasitic drugs, which persist in livestock dung and prove lethal to dung beetle larvae. Agricultural intensification has eliminated traditional grazing systems and reduced the availability of suitable dung resources, while habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the timing of dung availability and affecting the species' temperature-sensitive reproductive cycles.
Where does Onthophage ovatus live?
Onthophage ovatus occurs in Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus (plus 23 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Onthophage ovatus?
The main threats to Onthophage ovatus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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