Beetles (Coleoptera) in agricultural landscapes: contribution, challenges and conservation

Abstract

Agricultural landscape refers to the areas of land that are primarily used for agricultural activities and farming. Beetles (Order: Coleoptera) are one of the most diverse and ecologically important groups inhabiting agrarian landscapes. Coleoptera represents about 200 recognized families and 400,000 described species. Diverse feeding habits such as herbivory, predation, scavenging, decomposition, fungivory, and parasitism enable them to occupy a wide range of habitats and reduce competition. Consequently, contribute immensely to agricultural landscapes by providing numerous ecological services like pest control, pollination, decomposition and nutrient cycling, soil aeration and structure improvement, seed dispersal, fungal spore dispersal, nutrient recycling, habitat engineering (e.g., dung burial), and serving as food for other wildlife. Habitat loss and fragmentation, use of pesticides, agricultural intensification, soil disturbance, loss of floral resources and shelter, climate change, invasive species, light pollution and noise, overgrazing and land degradation, lack of awareness and conservation efforts are key challenges to the diversity of beetles in agroecosystems. Conservation of beetle populations requires integrated approaches, including preserving natural habitats, implementing agro ecological practices, and reducing chemical inputs. This review highlights the ecological functions of beetles in agroecosystems, examines their threats, and discusses strategies to promote their conservation, emphasizing their importance in fostering resilient and productive agricultural systems.