Integrated modeling and experimental approaches reveal the impact of climate change on dung beetle distribution and function

Climate change is expected to alter the distribution and ecological functions of dung beetles, key contributors to nutrient cycling and soil bioturbation. This study integrates species distribution models (SDMs) and field experiments to assess the impact of warming on Canthon humectus and Canthon indigaceus. Using SDMs calibrated with bioclimatic variables, we projected the future distribution of both species under different climate change scenarios. Field experiments employing open-top chambers were used to simulate temperature increases, enabling us to measure dung removal rates and brood ball size and length. Additionally, we implemented density treatments to evaluate the influence of intraspecific competition on these ecological functions. The resulting models are provided in a KMZ file, "Supplementary Material - Maps". For each species, we included the occurrence data and a map whose pixels indicate the probability of occurrence under the current climate and four other maps indicating the probability of occurrence under four Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). All maps display Highly Suitable Habitats (HSH) in green, Moderately Suitable Habitats (MSH) in yellow, and Unsuitable Habitats (UH) as empty areas.