Dung Beetles
Dung beetles are known to reduce runoff into waterways and improve soil health, including aeration of the soil and biological activity. Other on-farm benefits include increased grass growth and pasture available, as well as reduced infection of livestock by parasitic worms.
Within 48 hours of placing dung beetles into a small pile of manure, it can disappear. Dung beetles eat manure but also bury it in the ground to lay eggs inside. The larvae then eat the dung, too. Once buried, it can no longer be washed into waterways in the rain. Burial also breaks the life cycle of parasitic worms, which can result in less drenching for farmers.
Project Support
Through the Project, subsidies were available for landowners to release dung beetles on their properties. Beginning in 2021, dung beetles were released in Linkwater, across neighbouring dairy farms. More farms followed over the next few years as dung beetles were also released in Lower Pelorus, Rai Valley and Ronga/Opouri/Tunakino sub-catchments. Overall, dung beetles were released across 11 farms in Te Hoiere to improve water quality.
The Project worked with the experts at Dung Beetle Innovations, where different beetles were recommended based on climate, soils and type of farm. Beetles approved for use in New Zealand also range in size, seasonal activity and even dung preference.
In March 2026, the Project carried out monitoring across all 11 properties, where dung beetle populations were introduced between March 2021 and January 2025. Dung beetle activity was found at all except one property where beetles were released in 2024 and 2025—but it doesn't mean they aren't there. After release, beetles typically go underground and remain undetected, sometimes for years. Beetle activity at the 10 sites was significantly higher at properties where beetles were introduced four or five years prior to monitoring. These populations generally realise their full carrying capacity at least nine years after they are introduced to an area.
While our subsidy has ended, you can contact Dungbeetle Innovations to discuss releasing them on your property. Additionally, we can assist putting you in touch with a landowner in the catchment who has released them.
Read about dung beetles in Linkwater from New Zealand Dairy Exporter.
The Project worked with experts at Dung Beetle Innovations. The first release, photos shown above, was in Linkwater where neighbours banded together to purchase packs of dung beetles at a discount.
Shown above, in March 2026 the Project carried out monitoring across 11 properties, where dung beetle populations were introduced between March 2021 and January 2025.
