Somehow I managed to go through my whole life not realizing the importance of the dung beetle to the ecology of the whole planet. Only after visiting Tembe Elephant Park and becoming informed of their value have I come to appreciate their contribution. Notice the right hand picture where the beetle is pushing a ball of dung that is larger than it is but holding it with its hind legs and pushing backwards with his front. Can you imagine how many times a day a beetle must form, move and bury a ball of dung to dispose of the droppings of just one elephant!

For more information try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dung_beetle

After reading this you will give the dung beetle the right of way.

Thanks to Elder Mickelsen for these excellent photos.