EOI – Dung Beetle Nurseries – New spring-active species Bubas bubalus

EOI's are now closed - thank you for your interest

EOI – dung beetle nurseries – new spring-active species Bubas bubalus

WICC is currently seeking livestock farmers who are interested in hosting dung beetle nurseries for a new spring-active dung beetle species. We introduced the first of this species in September 2023 - the beetles bred successfully and have been released from nurseries on 2 out of 6 farms. Introducing this new species will improve biodiversity and enhance soil health on farms.

Here are some details about hosting a dung beetle nursery:

Nursery Setup: The nursery is a 2m x 1m raised garden bed with a shadecloth cover, which will be supplied by WICC. It takes approximately one hour to set up and should be located near stocked paddocks but protected from livestock.
Maintenance: You will be responsible for maintaining the nursery by weeding or whipper snipping every two weeks. Additionally, fresh dung needs to be supplied to feed the dung beetles every 5-7 days during their activity period, which is from September to late January.
Potential Outcomes: While not all nurseries may be successful, if the dung beetles breed successfully, you will have the opportunity to release the beetles onto your farm in the following spring/summer.

Want to know more? email Kylie at [email protected]

Interested?? Please fill in EOI for dung beetle nurseries 2024

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone Number *

Property Address *

I can host, maintain, and feed a dung beetle colony on my farm *

Yes No

If Other please specify: *

I can supply fresh livestock dung from cattle/sheep that have not been given anti-parasite treatments (drench/backline/tick treatment) for at least 3 months. *

Yes No

I already have the winter-active species Bubas bison on my farm *

Yes No Not sure

Submit