Dung Beetle Identification Workshop with Staff & Research Assistants of SEARRP.
As part of the Permian Global on 7th – 11th August 2023.
We recently conducted a Dung Beetle Identification Workshop at the Danum Valley Conservation Area. As part of the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project and Permian Global Project, the workshop was an engaging learning experience that brought together 14 dedicated staff members and research assistants of the Southeast Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP).
Group photo of staff & research assistants of SEARRP. Photo 2023 Philip Ulok.
Using the key and guidebook developed by the Tropical Ecology and Entomology lab, our collaborative effort was aimed at enhancing our understanding of the diverse dung beetle species found in lowlands of Sabah, Malaysia using the key and guidebook. The dung beetle guidebook (unpublished) was a result of years of dedicated fieldwork in the lowlands of Sabah and describes 66 dung beetle species in 14 genera. Our participants learned to identify these remarkable creatures using their distinct characteristics and colorations. During the training, they encountered groups that were similar looking, and which needed further investigation under the microscope. After 5 days of extensive practice, the participants were able to identify common dung beetle species found in lowland Sabah.
(Top left) Dung beetle identification course and introduction. Photo 2023 Philip Ulok.
(Top right) Practical session to examine the specimens under microscope. Photo 2023 Chiew Li Yuen.
(Bottom left) Li Yuen showed the group on the key and traits to identify the tiny dung beetles. Photo 2023 Deddy Nurdin.
(Bottom right) Group discussion to revise what had been taught. Photo 2023 Chiew Li Yuen.
As the course ended, participants were presented with a challenge – a test designed to assess their ability to distinguish 20 common species typically found in the lowlands of Sabah. All participants did well in the test, a testament to their dedication and interest to learn. What truly warmed our hearts was the infectious enthusiasm and enjoyment that filled the workshop room throughout the training. The participants expressed that this was their first experience to identify tiny dung beetles under the microscope, and they were impressed with their uniqueness and patterns. As we reflect on this workshop, we are reminded about the significant roles each tiny beetle plays in the ecosystem, and we are now happy that we have fostered a deeper understanding of their importance in more budding dung beetle biologists.
(Top) Li Yuen showed the group on how to do dung beetles sorting before IDs. Photo 2023 Ahmad Bin Jelling.
(Bottom left) Dung beetles sorting according to their physical characteristics. Photo 2023 Chiew Li Yuen.
(Bottom right) Individual test on 20 common dung beetle species from the lowlands of Sabah. Photo 2023 Chiew Li Yuen.
Written by Li Yuen.
Comments