Nimalrathna, T., Fan, H., Campos-Arceiz, A., Nakamura, A. (2025). Dung beetle iDNA provides an effective way to detect diverse mycological communities. Molecular Ecology Resources. DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.14091.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1755-0998.14091.

ABSTRACT

Fungi play crucial ecological and economic roles, yet their diversity and distribution remain poorly known and challenging to assess. Using recent advances in invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) for biodiversity monitoring, we investigated the potential of dung beetle iDNA for fungal sampling and monitoring. We sampled two habitats (rainforest vs. rubber plantation) and seasons (dry vs. rainy) in tropical Xishuangbanna, southwest China. We extracted, amplified and identified 9259 unique fungi Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) from the gut of three species of dung beetles (Paragymnopleurus sp., telecoprids; Onthophagus diabolicus, paracoprids; and Onthophagus cf. gracilipes, endocoprids). Fungal community composition was different across habitats and seasons, with the highest diversity found in the rainy season rainforest. Our results were consistent with previous eDNA-based studies based on soil samples in the detection of habitat differences (both approaches were able to detect low diversity of Basidiomycota in rubber plantations). However, our approach outperformed soil-based eDNA studies in being able to detect fungal occurrences associated with seasonal precipitation patterns. Our findings highlight the utility of dung beetle iDNA to uncover spatiotemporal dynamics of fungal communities across different habitats. The use of iDNA broadens fungal biodiversity research, strengthens fungal monitoring to assess anthropogenic impacts and presents opportunities to conserve fungal diversity.

For more details on papers published from this group, click here.

The Community Ecology and Conservation Group (CEC) recently hosted a highly engaging workshop, “Introduction to Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analysis,” from 10th to 14th February 2025 at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. The event brought together European trainers, students, and professionals from China, all keen to explore the dynamic field of bioinformatics and its applications in omics data analysis.

The workshop aimed to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills for handling large-scale biological datasets generated by genomics and transcriptomics. Over five intensive days, attendees learned essential tools, algorithms, and software used in bioinformatics, including hands-on sessions focused on data processing, visualisation, and interpretation.

Led by Dr. Guillem Ylla, head of the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genome Biology at Jagiellonian University (Kraków, Poland), the workshop featured interactive lectures and guided practical exercises. Dr. Ylla was supported by his postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Tomasz Gaczorek, who assisted with hands-on exercises. Key topics included an introduction to NGS data analysis and transcriptomics, de novo genome assembly (conducted by Dr. Evgenii Baiakhmetov, a special research assistant at CEC), population genomics (GWAS and SNP calling), and opportunities for direct interaction with the trainers.

Professor Kyle Tomlinson, one of the organisers, emphasised the workshop’s significance: “Bioinformatics is at the heart of modern biology, enabling us to decode complex omics data and drive scientific discovery. This programme fosters capacity-building and collaboration among young scientists.”

Participants praised the comprehensive curriculum and supportive environment, noting how the workshop empowered them to address their research challenges more effectively. Many expressed enthusiasm for applying their new skills to projects spanning biodiversity conservation and rapid speciation.

As the CEC continues to advance interdisciplinary science through cutting-edge approaches, this workshop highlights its commitment to fostering scientific innovation. Plans to expand future iterations of the programme are underway, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.