Coprophage
A coprophage is an animal that consumes feces as part of its diet. While this might seem unappealing, coprophagy serves important ecological and nutritional purposes. Some animals eat feces to extract additional nutrients, while others play a role in waste decomposition, contributing to ecosystem balance.
Coprophagy is particularly common among animals with inefficient digestive systems, such as certain herbivores that re-ingest feces to process food more thoroughly. Other species consume feces to obtain beneficial gut bacteria or essential vitamins that were not absorbed during the first digestion.
Common coprophagous animals include rabbits, hares, and rodents like guinea pigs, which eat their own feces to maximize nutrient absorption. Certain insects, such as dung beetles and fly larvae, rely on feces as their primary food source, helping to break down animal waste in natural environments. Some omnivorous species, like dogs, may engage in coprophagy opportunistically.
Coprophages play a vital role in nutrient cycling and waste decomposition. By breaking down fecal matter, they help recycle organic material into the soil, enriching it with nutrients. In the case of dung beetles, their activity improves soil health and reduces fly populations, making them essential contributors to ecological stability.
No animals found for this category.