The relationship between distribution and abundance in a dung- beetle community (Col, Scarabaeoidea)

The relationship between species' local abundance and distribution over a range of spatial scales was analysed in the case of a community of Iberian dung beetles. On a local scale, abundance and distribution are correlated, as statistics would lead one to expect (the larger the population of a species, the more frequently they occur in dung pats and samples). Nevertheless, this correlation is not observed in the data derived from annual sampling, due to presence of species characterized by high population growth rates and narrow seasonal occurrences. The supposition (BROWN, 1984) that broad- niche species should also be locally abundant is not corroborated; species were found that were well-distributed locally, but without large local populations. On a regional scale, the results are in agreement with the model proposed by BROWN & MAURER (1987); locally abundant species tend to be well-distributed, although there is considerable variation in this correlation. On a geographical scale the results are as would be expected, although there are exceptions, possibly due to historical factors.