Environmental Internship Program - 2023 Booklet

PROJECT TITLE
Investigating the Structure
and Composition of Dung
Beetle Food Webs in an
African Savanna
ORGANIZATION(S)
Pringle Lab,
Department of Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology,
Princeton University
LOCATION(S)
Mpala Research Centre,
Laikipia, Kenya
MENTOR(S)
Robert Pringle,
Professor of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology;
Finote Gijsman, Ph.D.
candidate, Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology
Rohan Kumar ’26
UNDECLARED
I helped investigate the structure, stability and
complexity of species interaction networks
between large mammalian herbivores and
dung beetles in African savannas. Dung beetles
are vital for ecosystem functioning, but their
diversity, distribution and associations with
mammals in these ecosystems are not fully
understood. Moreover, dung beetles are at
risk of extinction due to their vulnerability to
environmental and anthropogenic disturbances,
and this risk is exacerbated by the alarming
reductions in large herbivore population
reduction and growing human-environment
interference. Understanding the beetles and their
food webs is essential for their conservation.
To learn more about beetle diversity in the
presence of various savanna herbivores, I helped
collect and process herbivore dung samples
and surveyed dung beetles at various locations.
I also assisted with laboratory trials to assess
beetle food preferences. To improve species
identification ability and create a large public
database, I helped set up DNA barcoding plates
and photographed dung beetle specimens for
morphological trait measurements. I also aided
in dissecting beetles so that their gut contents
could be metabarcoded. The whole experience
was incredibly rewarding as I gained an
invaluable glimpse into the world of evolutionary
and ecological biology research.
BIODIVERSITY AND
CONSERVATION
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