基于生态系统服务的海南岛自然保护区体系规划

随着我国生物多样性保护与生态建设的发展,区域尺度自然保护区体系规划得到广泛的关注.以海南岛为例,探索了利用生态系统服务空间格局进行区域自然保护区规划的方法.研究中,首先从生物多样性分布、水源涵养、水资源保护、土壤保持和海岸带防护等5个方面分析了海南岛生态系统服务的空间格局,综合评价单元生态系统重要性;然后基于生态系统服务综合评价结果,并根据海南省保护自然过程与生物多样性并重的要求,识别出生态重要性高但无保护区或保护面积不足的空间单元,提出海南岛自然保护区体系规划.根据本规划,海南岛将共建成规范完善的自然保护区42个,总面积290.14万hm2.其中,陆地自然保护区面积41.26万hm2,占海南岛陆地总面积的11.79％.新建保护区4个(面积8.80万hm2),调整保护区4个(扩大面积8.01万公顷),优化整合原有保护区中的17个为6个,升级保护区4个.结果表明,基于生态系统服务的自然保护区体系规划有助于发挥自然保护区的综合效益,并具有更强的可操作性.将生态系统服务纳入自然保护区体系规划应是今后的发展方向.     

人类活动对中国国家级自然保护区生态系统的影响

我国已建立了超过2740个自然保护区,面积约占陆地国土面积的14.8%。以我国446个国家级自然保护区作为研究对象,基于遥感信息提取、模型与方程估算、时空趋势分析,揭示2000—2015年不同类型自然保护区、自然保护区不同区域生态系统质量和关键服务的时空变化特征,利用土地覆盖变化量化人类活动并进一步分析人类正面与负面活动对生态系统质量和关键服务的影响。结果表明:(1)国家级自然保护区内土地覆盖变化表明存在不同程度的人类活动,总体表现为保护区外较保护区内剧烈,说明保护区对生态系统具有明显保护作用。(2)农田开垦、居民点修建、工矿建设、能源资源开发等人类活动对保护区生态系统的负面影响表现为草地、湿地开垦导致耕地、水库坑塘面积增加,城镇居民点与工矿建设用地扩张侵占草地。(3)湿地面积净增加而林地、草地面积净减少,反映了湿地保护、退田还湖等措施的积极作用,然而退耕还林、退牧还草局限于部分保护区;(4)气候变化是自然保护区植被覆盖度微弱上升、净初级生产力下降、生态系统水源涵养量微弱增加、土壤保持量明显增加的主要原因,而人类活动仅在局部对生态系统产生影响。为了推动我国自然保护区体系的完善和保护作用的发挥,需要统一保护区建设标准及其规范,完善保护区法律制度,积极开展相关基础科学研究。     

Freshwater Reserves in Australia: Directions and Challenges for the Development of a Comprehensive,Adequate and Representative System of Protected Areas

The establishment of a system of protected areas that samples all ecosystems, including freshwater environments, in a comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) manner is regarded as a cornerstone for the conservation of biodiversity. There have been few quantitative assessments of the comprehensiveness, adequacy and representativeness of freshwater reserves in Australia. This paper reviews and quantifies the effect of classification of freshwater ecosystems for conservation planning, the importance of reservation status and protection measures for developing a CAR reserve system, and aspects of reserve design for freshwater ecosystems. We propose a strategic and iterative process that incorporates these measures to assist in the efficient and effective development of freshwater reserve systems worldwide. However, the provision of suitable water regimes for freshwater reserves presents further ecological and political challenges, and even adequate reservation of freshwater ecosystems may not conserve constituent biodiversity without effective management.     

Evaluating reserves for species richness and representation in northern California

The Klamath‐Siskiyou forests of northern California and southern Oregon are recognized as an area of globally outstanding biological distinctiveness. When evaluated at a national or global level, this region is often, necessarily, considered to be uniformly diverse. Due to large variation in biotic and abiotic variables throughout this region, however, it is unlikely that biological diversity is uniformly distributed. Furthermore, land management decisions nearly always occur at spatial scales smaller than this entire region. Therefore, we used field data from a random sampling design to map the distribution of local and regional richness of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders within northern California's portion of the Klamath‐Siskiyou region. We also evaluated the protection afforded by reserves established for varying reasons (e.g. for inspiration and recreation for people vs. species conservation) to hotspots of species richness and species representation of these taxa. No existing reserves were created with these taxa in mind, yet it was assumed that reserves established largely around considerations for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) would afford adequate protection for many lesser‐known species. Species of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders share two general features: (1) they have extremely low vagility, and (2) they are often associated with moist, cool microclimates. Existing reserves disproportionately included areas of hotspots of species richness for both taxa, when hotspots included the richest c. 25% of the area, whereas non‐reserved lands contained greater than expected areas with lower species richness. However, when a more strict definition of hotspot was used (i.e. the richest c.10% of areas), local hotspots for both taxa were not disproportionately found in reserves. Reserves set aside largely for human aesthetics and recreation and those set aside for biodiversity both contributed to the protection of areas with high (greatest 25%) species richness. Existing biodiversity reserves represented 68% of mollusc species and 73% of salamander species, corresponding to the 99th and 93rd percentiles, respectively, of species representation achieved by simulating a random distribution of the same total area of reservation. Cumulatively, however, reserves set aside for inspiration and biodiversity represented 83% of mollusc species and 91% of salamander species. The existing reserves provide conservation value for terrestrial molluscs and salamanders. This reserve network, however, should not be considered optimal for either taxa.     

Habitat heterogeneity overrides the species–area relationship

Aim The most obvious, although not exclusive, explanation for the increase of species richness with increasing sample area (the species–area relationship) is that species richness is ultimately linked to area-based increases in habitat heterogeneity. The aim of this paper is to examine the relative importance of area and habitat heterogeneity in determining species richness in nature reserves. Specifically, the work tests the hypothesis that species–area relationships are not positive if habitat heterogeneity does not increase with area. Location Sixteen nature reserves (area range 89–11,030 ha) in central Hungary. Methods Four-year faunistic inventories were conducted in the reserves involving c. 70 fieldworkers and 65 taxonomists. CORINE 50,000 land-cover maps were used for calculating the heterogeneity of the reserve landscape (number of habitat types, number of habitat patches and total length of edges). Results Large reserves were less heterogeneous than small reserves, probably because large reserves were established in large blocks of unproductive land whereas small reserves tended to be in more fertile land. In total, 3975 arthropod species were included in the analysis. The slope of the species–area relationship was positive only for Neuroptera and Trichoptera. There was no significant relationship in the other nine taxa examined (Collembola, Acari, Orthoptera, Thysanoptera, Coleoptera, Araneae, Diplopoda, Chilopoda, Diptera). The density (number of species ha⁻¹) of all species, however, showed a positive correlation with heterogeneity. Main conclusions The general lack of fit of species–area relationships in this study is inconsistent with most previous published studies. Importantly, and unlike many other studies, habitat heterogeneity was not correlated with reserve area in the studied system. In the absence of this source of covariation, stronger relationships were identified that suggested a fundamental link between species richness and habitat heterogeneity. The results indicate that habitat heterogeneity rather than area per se is the most important predictor of species richness in the studied system.     

中国红树林生态系统保护空缺分析

红树林作为海岸带重要的生态系统类型,具有维持海岸生物多样性、防风固岸、促淤造陆等重要的生态功能,在气候变化和快速城市化背景下认识红树林受保护状况具有重要意义。以基于遥感解译的红树林分类数据为基础,通过空缺分析,分析了我国红树林的就地保护状况,结果显示我国分布的红树林总面积为264 km~2(尚不含我国港、澳、台的统计数据),其中61.4%在自然保护区内受到保护。从红树林分布的主要省份来看,在海南省分布的红树林面积较少但保护比例高,广西和广东省分布的红树林面积大但受保护面积比例相对较低。在3种红树林类型中,红树-木果楝林和红海榄-木榄林分布面积较小,但受保护的面积都在90%以上,秋茄-桐花树-白骨壤林分布的面积最大,但受保护的面积为52.6%。研究提出自然保护区外红树林分布的关键区域,并建议通过划定生态保护红线等方式来进行保护。     

Effects of data characteristics on the results of reserve selection algorithms

We tested the effects of four data characteristics on the results of reserve selection algorithms. The data characteristics were nestedness of features (land types in this case), rarity of features, size variation of sites (potential reserves) and size of data sets (numbers of sites and features). We manipulated data sets to produce three levels, with replication, of each of these data characteristics while holding the other three characteristics constant. We then used an optimizing algorithm and three heuristic algorithms to select sites to solve several reservation problems. We measured efficiency as the number or total area of selected sites, indicating the relative cost of a reserve system. Higher nestedness increased the efficiency of all algorithms (reduced the total cost of new reserves). Higher rarity reduced the efficiency of all algorithms (increased the total cost of new reserves). More variation in site size increased the efficiency of all algorithms expressed in terms of total area of selected sites. We measured the suboptimality of heuristic algorithms as the percentage increase of their results over optimal (minimum possible) results. Suboptimality is a measure of the reliability of heuristics as indicative costing analyses. Higher rarity reduced the suboptimality of heuristics (increased their reliability) and there is some evidence that more size variation did the same for the total area of selected sites. We discuss the implications of these results for the use of reserve selection algorithms as indicative and real-world planning tools.     

Reserve selection and persistence: complementing the existing Atlantic Forest reserve system

This study is an exercise to check the efficiency of the existing reserve system, and to show how systematic conservation planning—using information available and the complementarity concept—can improve the basis for decisions and minimize costs. We verified the performance, in number of cells and primate species representation, of the existing Atlantic Forest (Brazil) reserve network with a quarter-degree resolution grid, with 1,884 cells. We used occurrence data of 20 endemic primate species, and the maps of 237 existing reserves. Reserve networks were selected to represent primate species first considering no pre-existing reserves in Atlantic Forest, and then, considering the existing reserve system, taking into account the minimum area for viable population of the larger species (Northern muriqui Brachyteles hypoxanthus). Reserve selection was carried out using the complementarity concept implemented by a simulated annealing algorithm. Primate species representation (at least one occurrence in the network) could be achieved with 8% of the existing reserve system (nine cells in relation to the 120 in the existing reserve system). We found that today’s reserve system represents 89% of endemic primate species, excluding the species Coimbra Filho’s titi monkey (Callicebus coimbrai) and Marcgraf’s capuchin (Cebus flavius). The networks selected without considering existing reserves contained nine cells. The networks selected considering existing reserves (120 cells), had two new cells necessary to represent all the primates. This does not mean that a viable alternative is to start from zero (i.e., nonexistent reserves). Identifying critical supplementary areas using biodiversity information to fill the gaps and then starting “conservation in practice” in these areas should be priorities.     

The importance of temperate woodland in travelling stock reserves for vertebrate biodiversity conservation

Summary Travelling stock reserves have well recognised and important commercial, cultural and other values in the pastoral and agricultural regions of Australia, but their conservation values remain poorly known. In general, many areas of woodlands within travelling stock reserves have not been subjected to the same high levels of degradation pressure as similar temperate woodlands on private land. In this study, we compared several measures of vertebrate biota in 217 permanent field sites located in travelling stock reserves and woodland remnants located almost exclusively on private land in the Murray Riverina and South West Slopes bioregions in southern New South Wales. We found that in comparison with temperate woodland remnants on private land, temperate woodland in travelling stock reserves tended to support more species of birds, more species of declining birds, and a greater abundance of arboreal marsupials. Temperate woodland in travelling stock reserves was more likely to be occupied by particular individual species of birds of conservation concern. However, such tenure differences were not consistent between bioregions. For example, the Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) and the Red‐capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii ) were significantly more likely to occupy temperate woodland in travelling stock reserves than temperate woodland on private land in the Murray Riverina but such effects were not apparent in the South West Slopes. Similarly, while the Grey‐crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) was significantly more likely to occupy temperate woodland in travelling stock reserve sites in the South West Slopes, we found the opposite effect in Murray Riverina. We demonstrated that travelling stock reserves have important conservation values for some taxa and individual species. Because of the paucity of large ecological reserves in the Murray Riverina and South West Slopes bioregions, temperate woodlands located in travelling stock reserves should be considered as an important resource that contributes to a portfolio of vegetation assets in formerly woodland‐dominated, but now extensively cleared, agricultural landscapes.     

Impact of the invasive ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) on local ant diversity in southern Cameroon

The little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata Roger, is one of the world's most destructive invasive ants. It has been present in Cameroon for more than four decades, but its impact on local ant diversity is not known. We studied impact of W. auropunctata in three disturbed habitats located in rural and urban areas. We monitored ant diversity in both invaded and noninvaded zones in each area using a combination of three sampling methods: bait, pitfall traps and visual catch in quadrat. We collected 28 species in urban area and 64 in rural area. In invaded zone, W. auropunctata made up 97.72% and 99.96% of all ant fauna and ant species richness decreased to 7 and 2 in urban and rural area, respectively. In accordance with others findings in introduced environments, the presence of W. auropunctata has severely reduced abundance and richness of local ant species in both urban and rural environments in Cameroon. Measures should therefore be put in place to prevent its introduction in natural environment as forest reserves and natural parks.     

The role of seed reserves in arbuscular mycorrhizal formation and growth of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. and Zea mays L.

We show here that seed reserves in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. and Zea mays L. (maize) are important for mycorrhizal formation and seedling growth. Seed reserve removal reduced mycorrhizal formation markedly in Leucaena but not in maize, except at 15 and 45 days after seed reserve removal. Partial or total removal of seed reserves decreased plant growth and tissue nutrient concentrations in both hosts. Nodule number in Leucaena, which was related positively to plant biomass and mycorrhizal infection levels, was reduced when one or both cotyledons were severed. Leucaena seedlings without or with partial seed reserves had higher nutrient use efficiencies throughout seedling growth. But such an effect was observed only initially in maize. Seed reserve removal increased the specific absorption rates of nutrients in both hosts. Phosphorus absorption rate was significantly and positively related to root infection levels in both Leuceana and maize. Though the growth rates of plants without seed reserves were low initially, these plants had higher growth rates during later stages. We conclude that seed reserves are not only important for seedling growth, but also for mycorrhizal formation and nodulation. Received: 15 July 1999 / Accepted: 6 December 1999     

Potential of a no‐take marine reserve to protect home ranges of anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta)

The extent to which no‐take marine reserves can benefit anadromous species requires examination. Here, we used acoustic telemetry to investigate the spatial behavior of anadromous brown trout (sea trout, Salmo trutta) in relation to a small marine reserve (~1.5 km²) located inside a fjord on the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. On average, sea trout spent 42.3 % (±5.0% SE) of their time in the fjord within the reserve, a proportion similar to the area of the reserve relative to that of the fjord. On average, sea trout tagged inside the reserve received the most protection, although the level of protection decreased marginally with increasing home range size. Furthermore, individuals tagged outside the reserve received more protection with increasing home range size, potentially opposing selection toward smaller home range sizes inflicted on fish residing within reserves, or through selective fishing methods like angling. Monthly sea trout home ranges in the marine environment were on average smaller than the reserve, with a mean of 0.430 (±0.0265 SE) km². Hence, the reserve is large enough to protect the full home range of some individuals residing in the reserve. Synthesis and applications: In general, the reserve protects sea trout to a varying degree depending on their individual behavior. These findings highlight evolutionary implications of spatial protection and can guide managers in the design of marine reserves and networks that preserve variation in target species' home range size and movement behavior.     

The adequacy of Victoria's protected areas for conserving its forest‐dependent fauna

Networks of protected areas are a key component of efforts to conserve biodiversity. However, there are concerns about an uncritical focus on the percentage area of reserves without an assessment of how well formal reserves are actually protecting biodiversity. In response, we completed a spatial analysis of the formal reserve system in the Australian state of Victoria. We quantified how well the reserve system captured a crude surrogate for vegetation communities (viz: Ecological Vegetation Classes) as well as distribution models for an array of threatened forest‐dependent species. We found evidence of a high degree of overlap between areas subject to intensive forestry (clearcutting) operations and the modelled distribution of a suite of forest‐dependent species. A key outcome of our study was that areas around sites subject to past logging as well as new areas proposed for logging under the Timber Release Plan in Victoria had significantly higher values for threatened forest‐dependent species (as determined by habitat distribution models) than areas that had not been logged. We found significant differences in the spatial characteristics of the dedicated reserve systems and informal protected area networks, with the latter featuring much of its area close to a tenure boundary where logging occurs. Our empirical analyses demonstrating the impacts of ongoing logging operations on areas with high environmental suitability for threatened species have important implications. In particular, the current reserve system is inadequate for a suite of forest‐dependent taxa, including critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) and the vulnerable Greater Glider (Petauroides volans). This suggests a high degree of conflict between areas of high value for conservation and areas targeted for wood production.     

Impact of reserve area on reproduction of a moth-pollinated Stackhousia Sm. (Celastraceae) species in a fragmented landscape

Landscape disturbance frequently results in reduced pollination and reproduction of animal-pollinated plants. However, few studies globally, and no studies in Australia, have focused on the impact(s) on plants with nocturnal moth pollinators. This study measured natural levels of reproduction of the common, nocturnally moth-pollinated plant Stackhousia aspericocca Schuch. ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence (W.R.Barker 1418) (Celastraceae) across a range of reserves of varying sizes within a fragmented landscape of southern Australia. We hypothesized that plant reproduction would show a positive relationship with reserve area. Nocturnal pollinator surveys confirmed that night-flying settling moths of the families Geometridae and Noctuidae visited flowers of S. aspericocca ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence in the study region, and 8 out of 16 captured, flower-visiting moths carried more than 100 pollen grains of the study species (overall mean ± SD: 616.69 ± 1155.70). Two individuals of the common geometrid moth Oenochroma vinaria each carried over 3000 pollen grains. Thus, visiting moths may remove and carry large amounts of pollen. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, however, plant reproduction, measured as proportional fruit-set and mean seed number per fruit, showed no relation to reserve area across two consecutive years, and mean levels of plant reproduction were spatially similar throughout the fragmented landscape of the study region. It is hypothesized that the reproductive resilience of S. aspericocca ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence in the study region is due to effective pollination by common, night-flying moths, which may utilize both the reserves and their surrounding matrix to complete their life cycle(s).     

Shades of irreplaceability: towards a measure of the contribution of sites to a reservation goal

In most regions there are many possible ways of combining numbers of sites into reserve systems that represent a range of natural feasures. The irreplaceability of a site is operationally defined as the percentage of these alternative systems in which it occurs. This is a fundamental measure of the conservation value of the site in terms of its potential contribution to the achievement of a reservation goal or, alternatively, the options for reservation that are lost if the site is lost. The measure allows decisions to be made on the future of individual sites in the context of their value, in combination with other sites, to the conservation of the full range of natural features in a region. It also provides a logical framework for the design of whole systems of reserves, with decisions proceeding from the most to the least irreplaceable. Irreplaceability can be measured directly for small data sets but must be predicted for regional data sets. A promising approach to prediction is discussed that requires validation with more extensive trials. The irreplaceability of a site depends on a specific reservation target and changes as some of the site's features become progressively represented in reserves elsewhere. The concept of irreplaceability undermines notions of conservation value that are static or based on a single static system of sites to achieve a reservation goal.     

甘肃安西极旱荒漠国家级自然保护区南片植被长势与保护成效

以甘肃安西极旱荒漠国家级自然保护区南片为研究案例,借助高分辨率遥感影像和GIS技术,结合具体的植被类型和功能区划,分析了2000年到2010年间自然保护区内植被长势趋势的变化。结果发现:(1)11年来各植被类型,尤其是以骆驼刺、芦苇、芨芨草为主的天然草地植被表现出了较好的长势和增长的趋势;(2)核心区和缓冲区内不存在退化的植被类型,表明自然保护区基本实现了保护目的;(3)退化的植被位于实验区的布隆吉村、桥子村和双塔村,面积为1319 hm2,占比为0.31%。由此可见甘肃安西极旱荒漠国家级自然保护区南片植被保护成效明显。将植被长势趋势分析同自然保护区功能区划及植被类型相结合,希望有助于识别保护要点,以便为植被保护成效评价提供参考。     

Creation of a nature reserve, its effects on hunting management and waterfowl distribution in the Camargue (southern France)

The eastern portion of the Camargue in southern France is divided into two parts: a natural wetland area of 2800 ha and an agricultural area of 5045 ha. In 1984 and 1989, a new protected area (1000 ha) was created on two contiguous former hunting estates. Analysis of aerial photographs (1968–1998) in conjunction with a field survey revealed, from 1984 to 1998, an increase of management for waterfowl hunting in natural wetlands located on the periphery of the new reserve, and a similar increase in the agricultural area amongst residual wetlands and former rice fields. Based on monthly aerial censuses, the size of the waterfowl population in the winter increased in this part of the delta by a factor of 3.8 following the creation of the reserve. Our results suggest that the creation of a reserve on former hunting estates resulted in greater attractiveness for ducks but also in the development of commercial hunting activity around the edge. This development increased fragmentation and uniformity of natural areas, including the loss of the unique Cladium mariscus habitat in the Camargue and resulted in the spatial expansion of waterfowl hunting areas in agricultural areas. It is associated with an increase in financial profit from waterfowl hunting. Our study highlights unexpected costs for nature conservation associated with the creation of a reserve. It illustrates the need for new models of wetland conservation where protection goals are not restricted to reserves, but also integrate conservation and economic development outside the protected areas.     

Chew-track-cards: a multiple-species small mammal detection device

New Zealand's protected natural areas are being increasingly threatened by weeds as the natural landscape is fragmented and surrounding land use intensifies. To assist in designing management to reduce the threat, we attempted to determine the most important reserve characteristics influencing the presence of problem weeds in forest and scrub reserves. Data on 15 reserve characteristics were derived from surveys of 234 reserves. From correlation analysis, analysis of variance and consideration of several multivariate models, it appears that the most important characteristics influencing the number of problem weeds in reserves are proximity to towns, distance from roads and railway lines, human use, reserve shape, and habitat diversity. These factors reflect principally increased proximity to source of propagules associated with intensifying land use, including urbanisation. Reserves with the most weeds are narrow remnants on fertile soils with clearings and a history of modification, and those close to towns or sites of high human activity. If these reserves are to continue to protect natural values, they will require regular attention to prevent the establishment of further weeds. Accidental spread of weeds and disturbance in reserves should be minimised.     

Marine reserves with ecological uncertainty

To help manage the fluctuations inherent in fish populations scientists have argued for both an ecosystem approach to management and the greater use of marine reserves. Support for reserves includes empirical evidence that they can raise the spawning biomass and mean size of exploited populations, increase the abundance of species and, relative to reference sites, raise population density, biomass, fish size and diversity. By contrast, fishers often oppose the establishment and expansion of marine reserves and claim that reserves provide few, if any, economic payoffs. Using a stochastic optimal control model with two forms of ecological uncertainty we demonstrate that reserves create a resilience effect that allows for the population to recover faster, and can also raise the harvest immediately following a negative shock. The tradeoff of a larger reserve is a reduced harvest in the absence of a negative shock such that a reserve will never encompass the entire population if the goal is to maximize the economic returns from harvesting, and fishing is profitable. Under a wide range of parameter values with ecological uncertainty, and in the ‘worst case’ scenario for a reserve, we show that a marine reserve can increase the economic payoff to fishers even when the harvested population is not initially overexploited, harvesting is economically optimal and the population is persistent. Moreover, we show that the benefits of a reserve cannot be achieved by existing effort or output controls. Our results demonstrate that, in many cases, there is no tradeoff between the economic payoff of fishers and ecological benefits when a reserve is established at equal to, or less than, its optimum size.     

Do riparian reserves support dung beetle biodiversity and ecosystem services in oil palm-dominated tropical landscapes?

Agricultural expansion and intensification are major threats to global biodiversity, ecological functions, and ecosystem services. The rapid expansion of oil palm in forested tropical landscapes is of particular concern given their high biodiversity. Identifying management approaches that maintain native species and associated ecological processes within oil palm plantations is therefore a priority. Riparian reserves are strips of forest retained alongside rivers in cultivated areas, primarily for their positive hydrological impact. However, they can also support a range of forest‐dependent species or ecosystem services. We surveyed communities of dung beetles and measured dung removal activity in an oil palm‐dominated landscape in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The species richness, diversity, and functional group richness of dung beetles in riparian reserves were significantly higher than in oil palm, but lower than in adjacent logged forests. The community composition of the riparian reserves was more similar to logged forest than oil palm. Despite the pronounced differences in biodiversity, we did not find significant differences in dung removal rates among land uses. We also found no evidence that riparian reserves enhance dung removal rates within surrounding oil palm. These results contrast previous studies showing positive relationships between dung beetle species richness and dung removal in tropical forests. We found weak but significant positive relationships between riparian reserve width and dung beetle diversity, and between reserve vegetation complexity and dung beetle abundance, suggesting that these features may increase the conservation value of riparian reserves. Synthesis and applications: The similarity between riparian reserves and logged forest demonstrates that retaining riparian reserves increases biodiversity within oil palm landscapes. However, the lack of correlation between dung beetle community characteristics and dung removal highlights the need for further research into spatial variation in biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships and how the results of such studies are affected by methodological choices.