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Molecular ecology2023; 32(8); 2071-2091; doi: 10.1111/mec.16847

Contrasting seasonal patterns in diet and dung-associated invertebrates of feral cattle and horses in a rewilding area.

Abstract: Trophic rewilding is increasingly applied in restoration efforts, with the aim of reintroducing the ecological functions provided by large-bodied mammals and thereby promote self-regulating, biodiverse ecosystems. However, empirical evidence for the effects of megafauna introductions on the abundance and richness of other organisms such as plants and invertebrates, and the mechanisms involved still need strengthening. In this study, we use environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of dung from co-existing feral cattle and horses to assess the seasonal variation in plant diet and dung-associated arthropods and nematodes. We found consistently high diet richness of horses, with low seasonal variability, while the generally lower dietary diversity of cattle increased substantially during summer. Intriguingly, season-specific diets differed, with a greater proportion of trees in the horses' diet during winter, where cattle relied more on shrubs. Graminoids were predominantly found in the diet of horses, but were generally underrepresented compared to previous studies, possibly due to the high prevalence of forbs in the study area. Dung-associated arthropod richness was higher for cattle, largely due to a high richness of flies during summer. Several species of dung-associated arthropods were found primarily in dung from one of the two herbivores, and our data confirmed known patterns of seasonal activity. Nematode richness was constantly higher for horses, and nematode communities were markedly different between the two species. Our results demonstrate complementary effects of cattle and horses through diet differences and dung-associated invertebrate communities, enhancing our understanding of large herbivore effects on vegetation and associated biodiversity. These results are directly applicable for decision-making in rewilding projects, suggesting biodiversity-benefits by inclusion of functionally different herbivores.
© 2023 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-02-06 PubMed ID: 36744391DOI: 10.1111/mec.16847Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research examines how feral cattle and horses, as part of trophic rewilding efforts, impact seasonal variations in plant diet and dung-associated arthropods and nematodes. Findings suggest that the differing diet and invertebrate communities associated with these two large mammals complement each other and contribute to biodiversity, providing valuable insights for rewilding projects.

Introduction and Objective of the Research

  • The research aims to bolster empirical evidence on how the reintroduction of large mammals, or megafauna, affects the abundance of other organisms like plants and invertebrates.
  • This is done through a study of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of dung from feral cattle and horses, focusing on the seasonal variation in plant diet and dung-associated arthropods and nematodes.

Findings on Seasonal Variation in Feeding Patterns

  • Horses demonstrated consistently high diet variety, which varied minimally across seasons.
  • Conversely, cattle had generally lower dietary diversity that substantially increased during summer months.
  • A season-specific diet difference was observed: horses consumed more trees during winters while cattle relied more on shrubs during the same period.
  • Gaminoids were predominantly found in horses’ diet yet were generally underrepresented, likely due to the high forbs prevalence in the study area.

Analysis on Dung-Associated Invertebrate Communities

  • Arthropod richness was found to be higher in cattle dung, largely due to a high richness of flies during the summer months.
  • Many dung-associated arthropods were found primarily in dung from cattle or horses, reinforcing known patterns of seasonal activity.
  • Nematode richness was consistently higher in horse dung and distinct nematode communities were observed between cattle and horses.

Conclusion and Implications for Rewilding Projects

  • The research shows that cattle and horses have different impacts on vegetation and diverse invertebrate communities through their diet differences.
  • These complementing effects contribute to overall ecosystem biodiversity.
  • The findings provide practical information for rewilding projects, suggesting potential benefits for biodiversity when incorporating functionally different herbivores.

Cite This Article

APA
Thomassen EE, Sigsgaard EE, Jensen MR, Olsen K, Hansen MDD, Svenning JC, Thomsen PF. (2023). Contrasting seasonal patterns in diet and dung-associated invertebrates of feral cattle and horses in a rewilding area. Mol Ecol, 32(8), 2071-2091. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.16847

Publication

Molecular ecology
ISSN: 1365-294X
NlmUniqueID: 9214478
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 8
Pages: 2071-2091

Researcher Affiliations

Thomassen, Emil Ellegaard
  • Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Sigsgaard, Eva Egelyng
  • Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Jensen, Mads Reinholdt
  • Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Olsen, Kent
  • Department of Research and Collections, Natural History Museum Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Hansen, Morten D D
  • Department of Research and Collections, Natural History Museum Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Svenning, Jens-Christian
  • Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
  • Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) & Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Thomsen, Philip Francis
  • Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Horses
  • Ecosystem
  • Seasons
  • Invertebrates
  • Arthropods
  • Biodiversity
  • Mammals
  • Plants
  • Diet / veterinary

Grant Funding

  • CF18-0949 / Carlsbergfondet

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Kristensen JÅ, Buitenwerf R, Berti E, Hansen OLP, Schowanek SD, Ejrnæs R, Hansen MDD, Olsen K, Normand S, Svenning JC. Space-use by feral cattle and horses shapes vegetation structure in a trophic rewilding area. Ecol Appl 2026 Jan;36(1):e70170.
    doi: 10.1002/eap.70170pubmed: 41636694google scholar: lookup
  2. Sadyrova M, Martin E, Ramsey P, Bullington L. Mock Plant Communities and a Large Mammal Case Study Reveal ITS2 Primer Bias Against Graminoids. Ecol Evol 2025 Sep;15(9):e72102.
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