The Diversity of Scarabaeid Beetles (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) in The Lowland Rainforest Ecosystem of Sorong Nature Tourism Park, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Scarabaeid beetles have an essential role in forest ecosystems, such as nutrient recycling, seed dispersal, forest regeneration, controlling parasite populations, and reducing carbon emissions. This study aims to analyse the diversity of scarabaeid beetles in the lowland rainforest ecosystem of Sorong Nature Tourism Park (SNTP), West Papua, Indonesia. The purposive sampling method was used to determine the study sites in three habitat types, i.e., rehabilitation zone, conservation zone, and protection zone. Collection of beetles were conducted by baited dung traps (type A, B, and C), light trap, and active sampling. The baits, i.e., cow and human excrements were used and was replaced every 24 hours (68 repetitions for 68 days) in each habitat. Results showed a total of 30 individuals belonging to 13 species of scarabaeid beetles were collected. Onthophagus has a highest species richness (5 species) compared to Aphodius sp., Anomala sp., and Adoretus sp. (1 species). The protection zone has a highest diversity index (H’=2.09), followed by conservation zone (H’=2) and rehabilitation zone (H’=0.5). Based on trap type, dung trap collected the most beetle species (9 species), followed by light trap (6 species) and active sampling (2 species). Pearson correlation analysis showed soil pH significantly correlated with beetle abundance. This study was the first report of scarabaeid beetles in West Papua, Indonesia.