Characterization of habitat type Several habitat parameters (vegetation structure and microclimate) were measured and tested for their potential to predict changes in the diversity and community structure of dung beetles (Shahabuddin et al. 2005).: 1). air temperature and relative humidity at about 1 m above ground at start and end of the exposing period were measured by using a digital thermo-hygrometer (CoronaR Model: GL 99), 2). Canopy cover visually estimated at four locations per site for a corridor of ca. 10 m beside the transect lines, 3). number of trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm) measured at four of 5x5 m2 plots beside each transect, one plot every 10 m changing between both sides of the transect, and 4). herb layer coverage was estimated at four plots of 2x2 m2 randomly placed at ca. 5 m beside the transect line.