Impact of human-induced disturbance on the diversity of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidaae).

Disturbance, whether natural or anthropogenic, is an important factor that affects the ecosystem functions. Although insects contribute to the major share of biodiversity, impact of disturbance on its diversity is poorly understood (Hamer and Hill, 1999). Insects are known to respond differently to disturbance dynamics (Schowalter, 1985). Some studies have shown that disturbance causes a reduction in diversity of insects (Daily and Ehrlich, 1995; Hill et al., 1995) while others suggest that disturbance results in an increase in diversity (Kremen, 1992; Hamer et al., 1997). In this study we have attempted to assess the response of dung beetles and ants to disturbance in a wildlife sanctuary of South India.