VU

Sow small dung beetle

Trichonotulus scrofa

Unknown

Overview

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

The Sow small dung beetle faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread use of veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly ivermectin and other anthelmintics, which persist in livestock dung and prove toxic to developing beetle larvae. Agricultural intensification has reduced the availability of suitable dung sources, while habitat fragmentation limits the species' ability to locate and colonize new dung patches. Climate change may further disrupt the delicate timing between dung availability and the beetle's reproductive cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits temperate grasslands and agricultural landscapes where it depends on fresh mammalian dung, particularly from cattle and sheep, for breeding and larval development. It requires open pastures and meadows with regular grazing activity to maintain suitable microhabitat conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sow small dung beetle classified as Vulnerable?
Sow small dung beetle 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. The Sow small dung beetle faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread use of veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly ivermectin and other anthelmintics, which persist in livestock dung and prove toxic to developing beetle larvae. Agricultural intensification has reduced the availability of suitable dung sources, while habitat fragmentation limits the species' ability to locate and colonize new dung patches. Climate change may further disrupt the delicate timing between dung availability and the beetle's reproductive cycles.
Where does Sow small dung beetle live?
Sow small dung beetle occurs in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, and France (plus 18 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 Sow small dung beetle?
The main threats to Sow small dung beetle 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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