Kathy Dawson recognised the important role dung beetles play in developing biologically active and productive pastures, improving animal health and mitigating environmental hazards to waterways. Through her management of sustainable agriculture programmes at Warren Catchments Council, a south west WA community-governed natural resource management group, Kathy has secured funding for several dung beetle projects – from awareness raising workshops to multi-year regional monitoring, identifying major activity gaps, and the introduction of a new species – Geotrupes spiniger, supplied by Graeme Stevenson (Tasmania). An innovative and effective practice where dung beetles bury biochar-infused manure has captured global attention.
Kathy is coordinating the south west WA activities: monitoring beetle presence and abundance, breeding new species intensively and in farm-nurseries, cropping and redistributing existing species to fill gaps and undertaking information and extension services throughout the region.