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<p>Urbanization is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in tropical regions, yet its influence on both taxonomic and functional dimensions of ecological communities remains poorly understood. In this study, dung beetles were used as bioindicators to evaluate the impacts of urban expansion on biodiversity along a replicated rural–urban gradient in the Colombian Caribbean. Standardized pitfall trapping was conducted across fifteen sites, and landscape metrics were obtained from remote sensing data, while a functional connectivity framework was applied to identify landscape elements capable of mitigating biodiversity loss. Results showed that urbanization significantly reduced species richness, abundance, and functional richness. Urban areas were dominated by a few generalist species with limited ecological roles, evidencing the simplification of key ecological processes, whereas rural and transitional zones supported more diverse and functionally rich assemblages that sustain greater ecosystem functioning. Landscape configuration also exerted a strong influence on both taxonomic and functional responses, highlighting the role of spatial heterogeneity in shaping ecological patterns. Overall, our findings indicate that urbanization drives taxonomic and functional homogenization of dung beetle communities, with cascading consequences for ecosystem processes. Nonetheless, the presence of green infrastructure that enhances functional connectivity may buffer these impacts, suggesting that incorporating habitat management and ecological corridor design into urban planning can provide an effective strategy for mitigating biodiversity loss in tropical landscapes facing increasing urban pressures.</p>

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From forest to asphalt: using dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to assess urbanization effects and promote functional connectivity in a Colombian Caribbean City

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月31日

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  • Carlos Taboada-Verona,
  • Juan Sierra-Sevilla,
  • Francisco Robles-Fuentes,
  • Iván Montes-Jiménez,
  • Carlos Sermeño-Correa,
  • Carlos Eduardo Ortiz‑Yusty,
  • César M. A. Correa

摘要

Urbanization is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in tropical regions, yet its influence on both taxonomic and functional dimensions of ecological communities remains poorly understood. In this study, dung beetles were used as bioindicators to evaluate the impacts of urban expansion on biodiversity along a replicated rural–urban gradient in the Colombian Caribbean. Standardized pitfall trapping was conducted across fifteen sites, and landscape metrics were obtained from remote sensing data, while a functional connectivity framework was applied to identify landscape elements capable of mitigating biodiversity loss. Results showed that urbanization significantly reduced species richness, abundance, and functional richness. Urban areas were dominated by a few generalist species with limited ecological roles, evidencing the simplification of key ecological processes, whereas rural and transitional zones supported more diverse and functionally rich assemblages that sustain greater ecosystem functioning. Landscape configuration also exerted a strong influence on both taxonomic and functional responses, highlighting the role of spatial heterogeneity in shaping ecological patterns. Overall, our findings indicate that urbanization drives taxonomic and functional homogenization of dung beetle communities, with cascading consequences for ecosystem processes. Nonetheless, the presence of green infrastructure that enhances functional connectivity may buffer these impacts, suggesting that incorporating habitat management and ecological corridor design into urban planning can provide an effective strategy for mitigating biodiversity loss in tropical landscapes facing increasing urban pressures.