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Beetles comprise the most species‑rich animal group on Earth, outnumbering all other classes. Within this vast order, the unassuming dung beetle is one of the few insects whose ecological contribution is as crucial as any, recycling nutrients and maintaining soil health.

Dung Beetles: Nature’s Recycler is a single‑episode programme that focuses on one of the planet’s most unassuming yet vital insects. The show zeroes in on the dung beetle, presenting it as the central subject of an hour‑long exploration of natural processes. The episode begins by noting that beetles, as a group, comprise the largest number of species of any animal worldwide. Within that immense diversity, the dung beetle stands out because its contribution to ecosystem functioning is hard to match. The narrative highlights how few organisms perform a role as crucial as the modest dung beetle does in breaking down and recycling animal waste. Further segments reinforce the idea that, despite its lowly reputation, the dung beetle’s work underpins many ecological cycles. By repeatedly stressing that the beetle’s impact on the environment is unparalleled among insects, the programme underscores the significance of this tiny creature. In doing so, it paints a picture of an animal that, while often overlooked, plays an indispensable part in keeping natural habitats balanced and healthy.