A survey of the dung beetles of the critically endangered habitats of the Nimba Mountain Range and environs, Guinea, West Africa

The Nimba Mountain Range is an extraordinary region in West Africa, with an exceptional variety of habitats and biodiversity. Endemic species included a viviparous toad, orchids, and an otter shrew. Dung beetle samples were collected during June, 2010 from a high elevation savanna and mid elevation forest as well as in the nearby Bossou Chimp Reserve. A total of 157 specimens, including 20 species, were collected; 11 species were discovered in each of the Bossou and Nimba forests and eight species in the Nimba savanna. Low abundance and diversity of dung beetles indicates that the mammal diversity (and likely many other species) in this area have been severely impacted by human activities. More efforts are needed to publicize the plight of and protect this unique area.