QLS Seminar - Wed. 28 May at 14h00 - "Connection of feces to Community Ecology. Theoretical study about the dung beetle population" by Ryo Akashi, Hokkaido University

[Quantitative Life Sciences]

Dear All,

On Wednesday, 28 May at 14:00 CET, Dr. Ryo Akashi (Hokkaido University, 
Japan) will give a seminar titled:

*"*Connection of feces to Community Ecology. Theoretical study about the 
dung beetle population*"

*_Abstract:

_Biological invasion is a major problem in the Anthropocene as it causes 
biodiversity loss. Not only do dung beetles serve as the primary 
decomposers of animal feces, but they also play critical roles in 
numerous ecosystem functions, so they seemed as key species in 
terrestrial ecosystem. Invasive mammals have a more significant impact 
than other taxonomic groups. Non-native mammals introduce their feces 
into native ecosystems, as new resources for coprophagous animals. 
Understanding how non-native mammal invasions affect the dynamics of 
native dung beetle communities is a critical ecological issue. In this 
study, I developed a novel population dynamics model and analyzed it 
using numerical calculations. In the scenario I explore, non-native 
mammals invade a native community where native mammals, native 
generalist dung beetles, and native specialist dung beetles coexist. 
generalist can use invasive mammal feces, but specialist cannot. After 
the mammal invasion, specialist populations declined as invasive mammal 
carrying capacities increased along with dung beetle competition 
coefficients. Generalist prefer native feces, specialist declined more. 
This study suggests that the possibility of coexistence of the native 
dung beetle community decreases with non-native mammal invasion.
I also speak about field study focusing on deer feces and gut 
microbiome. I'd like to introduce you to the world of animals surrounded 
feces.

The seminar will take place in the _Common area, Old SISSA building, 
second floor - Via Beirut, 2_*_
_
* You are all most welcome to attend!

Best regards,
Erica

Erica Sarnataro
Group Secretary
Quantitative Life Sciences
The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
Trieste,  Italy
Tel. +39-040-2240623
www.ictp.it/research/qls.aspx
e-mail:qls at ictp.it