Original Paper

# The Role of the Giant Tortoises in the Ecosystem

Luo Jinxiu¹ & Yang Ruilu¹

¹ Yunnan Vocational College of Culture and Art, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China

Received: May 09, 2024

Accepted: June 22, 2024

Online Published: July 17, 2024

doi:10.22158/se.v9n3p85

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/se.v9n3p85

## Abstract

The Great King's beetle is a kind of large beetle widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia. This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the multiple roles of the Great King's beetle in its natural ecosystem. Through literature review and field ecological observation, this study revealed the important functions of the King's flower tortoise in pollination, decomposition and food chain. The study showed that the King's flower tortoises have a positive impact on maintaining plant diversity by participating in the pollination process of plants. At the same time, their lifestyle in the larval stage promotes soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem health. In addition, the species' links in the food chain reveal its potential value in energy transfer and biological control. The results of the study are expected to provide a scientific basis for ecological conservation, biodiversity maintenance and natural ecosystem management.

## Keywords

King's flower turtle, Ecosystem, Pollinators, Decomposer, Food chain, biodiversity

## 1. Introduction

In this paper, the giant flower turtle, a large insect widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia, has attracted much attention due to its remarkable ecological, economic and cultural value.

## 2. The Basic Composition of the Ecosystem of the Giant Tortoises

The ecosystem of the giant tortoise is mainly composed of plant community, animal community and other biological abiotic elements **. These elements together constitute a complex and stable ecological environment, providing the necessary conditions for the survival of the King's turtle and other organisms in its area.

First of all, plant communities are the foundation of the King's turtle ecosystem. In Africa's tropical forests near the equator, abundant vegetation provides ample food and habitat. These plants include not only a variety of tall trees, but also low shrubs and herbs. These green plants convert sunlight energy into organic matter through photosynthesis, providing an energy source for the entire ecosystem. At the same time, the
leaves and fruits of these plants also become a source of food for the giant tortoise and other consumers.

Secondly, animal communities are an important part of the ecosystem. In the habitat of the giant tortoises, there is a wide variety of animals, including other insects, birds, mammals and so on. These animals form a complex food chain and food web, and depend on each other to maintain the ecological balance. For example, some predatory insects and birds may prey on the larvae and adults of the giant tortoises, while their droppings also provide soil fertility and promote plant growth.

Moreover, abiotic elements are essential to the stability of ecosystems. The inorganic environment, such as sunlight, air, water and soil, provides the basic conditions for living things. Especially for insects such as the King flower turtle that rely on humid environments, adequate rain and high humidity are the keys to their survival. In addition, inorganic salts and humus in the soil are also essential for plant growth, indirectly affecting the health of the entire ecosystem. In addition to the above elements, decomposers also play an important role in the ecosystem. This group of organisms mainly includes bacteria and fungi, which break down dead plants and animals into simple inorganic substances that are re-released into the environment for use by producers. This process recycles the material and keeps the ecosystem going.

Taken together, the ecosystem of the giant tortoise is very complex, and its various components interact and depend on each other. Only when these elements work together in coordination can the ecological balance be maintained and the sustainable development of biodiversity be promoted. In order to protect the giant tortoises and their ecological environment, people need to comprehensively understand and protect the entire ecosystem to prevent the destruction of a single factor from triggering a chain reaction that will ultimately affect the overall ecological stability.

### 3. The Ecological Habits of the Great King Golden Tortoise

The ecological habits of the Great King golden turtle cover the physiological characteristics, lifecycle and feeding habits. These unique ecological habits allow them to adapt to a specific living environment and form a unique biological community. To better understand this insect, here are some details on its physiology, life cycle, and feeding habits:

1. Physical characteristics: The giant, giant tortoises are one of the largest tortoises in the world, with males ranging from 50-110 mm long and females from 50-80 mm long. This large size helps them compete for food and mating rights in the wild.

Unique appearance: Males have short, forked horns on their heads for fighting with other males; And the female's head is shaped like an awedge, which helps her burrow and reproduce.

Special wings: The King flower turtle has a pair of large membranous wings for flight, which can be completely folded under the wing sheath when not in use.

2. Life cycle: Environmental requirements: The Great King Turtle lives in tropical forests from west Africa to east near the equator, and like trees, leaves, rain, moisture, as well as wet soil and decayed wood.

Life cycle: The life cycle of the giant tortoise consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The whole
cycle from egg hatching to larva to pupae and emergence to adult takes about a year. Breeding method:

The female will burrow in suitable soil to lay eggs, and then naturally hatch the larvae.

3) Feeding: Larval feeding: The larvae feed on fermented wood chips or humus in the early stage, but after the second instar, they begin to feed on protein-rich foods, such as small golden turtle larvae and pupae, mealworms or barley worms. Artificial feeding, can be used dog food, turtle food and other feed instead.

Adult feeding: Adult insects mainly feed on SAP and fruit, and can be fed beetle jelly and so on under artificial breeding.

## 4. The Role of the King Flower Turtle as a Pollinator

During the pollination process, the Great King flower tortoise is able to move and transfer pollen between flowers effectively due to its large size and strong flying ability. The insects are usually attracted to brightly colored or fragrant flowers, and in the process of feeding on pollen and nectar, they inadvertently carry pollen from the stamen to the stigma of the pistil to complete the cross-pollination of the plant.

Through this cross-pollination, the giant tortoises help the plant achieve genetic diversity. Cross-pollination can bring the genes of different individuals together to create new combinations of genes that enhance the plant's resilience and survival. This genetic diversity is essential for the long-term survival and evolution of plant populations. Not only does it increase a plant's ability to adapt to changes in its environment, it also provides more possibilities in both artificial and natural selection. For example, some genes that are resistant to pests and pests, or adapted to specific environments, are likely to be preserved and optimized in this process of diversification.

As a pollinator, the giant tortoises play an indispensable role in pollinating certain plants. It not only ensures the successful completion of plant reproduction, but also has a positive impact on the improvement of its genetic diversity. Understanding and protecting this ecological role is important for maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems.

## 5. The Role of the King Tortoises as Decomposers

First, the larva is an important decomposer of organic matter. In the natural environment, these larvae mainly feed on rotten wood and humus soil. By feeding on this organic matter, they promote the recycling and reuse of nutrients. Specifically, they speed up the recycling process by converting solid organic matter into nutrients that are more easily absorbed by plants.

Secondly, the larva of the King's flower turtle significantly improves soil fertility. In the process of breaking down organic matter, the larvae not only release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements needed for plant growth, but also improve the soil structure. This "soil improvement" effect makes the soil more porous and breathable, which helps plant roots expand and grow. At the same time, larval activity also increases the diversity of microorganisms in the soil, further promoting the health of the soil ecosystem.
Furthermore, the larva of the giant tortoise plays a positive role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. Every community has an essential role to play in a healthy ecosystem. As important decomposers, the larva fills an important link in the ecological chain, ensuring the efficient flow of energy and matter. At the same time, their activities also reduce the accumulation of organic waste and avoid the problem of diseases and pests caused by too much decaying matter, thus maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystem.

To sum up, the larva of the King's flower tortoise plays an important role in the decomposition of organic matter, improving soil fertility, and maintaining ecosystem health. This insect not only occupies an important position in the natural ecological chain, but also provides valuable ecological services for human beings.

## 6. The Position of the King's Flower Turtle in the Food Chain

In the food chain, the giant flower turtle is in the middle and lower position; For their role in the ecosystem, they are important saprophytes and decomposers, contributing to nutrient circulation and energy flow.

As an insect, the King flower turtle is by nature a food source for many birds and large carnivores. In nature, these scarabers tend to form a lower part of the food chain and are part of the daily diet of the aforementioned predators.

Giant tortoises are not at the very top of the food chain. They are both predators and prey. As saprophytes, they feed on plant residues and humus, which they convert into their own energy, and when they become prey to other animals, they transfer this energy to the upper trophic levels.

As decomposers, the giant tortoises play an integral role in maintaining ecological balance. By breaking down organic matter, they promote the circulation of nutrients and provide fertility to the soil, thus supporting more abundant plant growth and also providing an adequate food base for organisms of higher trophic levels.

## 7. The King's Flower Tortoises in Relation to Biodiversity

The impact of the King's turtle on ecosystem biodiversity is multifaceted, including direct and indirect effects. They play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting material circulation and energy flow. The details are as follows:

### 1) Direct action:

As a decomposer: The king flower golden turtle by feeding on plant residues and rotten leaves, the organic matter is decomposed and converted into simple inorganic substances, promoting the circulation of nutrients. This decomposing activity not only maintains soil fertility, but also provides a rich source of nutrients for other organisms, thus supporting more plant growth and animal life.

Regulate plant growth: They help clean up dead and decaying plant material and reduce the breeding ground for pathogens and pests. This cleaning effect helps maintain the health of plant communities, which in turn affects the stability of the entire ecosystem.

Participating in the food chain: Giant tortoises are both predators and prey, and their presence enriches the
structure of the food chain. Many birds and small mammals feed on the giant tortoises, while the giant tortoises control the population of some plant pests and maintain the ecological balance.

## 2) Indirect effects:

**Promote soil health:** Through decomposition activities, the King flower turtle helps the soil release nutrients and improve the soil structure, making it more suitable for plant growth. A healthy soil is able to support a more diverse plant community, which in turn provides richer habitat and food resources, attracting a greater variety of animals to settle.

**Enhanced ecosystem stability:** High species diversity is considered to be one of the key factors in ecosystem stability. As a member of the ecosystem, the King's flower turtle enhances the resistance and resilience of the ecosystem to environmental changes through its various ecological functions.

**Affecting other biological populations:** The activities of the Great King's golden tortoise have affected the survival and development of other organisms. For example, their decomposition activities can provide nutrients to microorganisms in the soil, which in turn affects soil biodiversity. This multi-layered impact further expands the contribution of the giant tortoises to ecosystem diversity.

It not only directly affects the material circulation and energy flow of the ecosystem, but also indirectly maintains and enhances the stability and diversity of the ecosystem through a variety of ways. Therefore, the protection of this species is also an important measure to maintain the health and stability of the entire ecosystem.

# 8. The Impact of Human Activities on the Role of the Giant Tortoises

## 1) Agricultural and forestry activities:

The widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers has reduced the food source for the giant tortoises and their larvae, as these chemicals can disrupt the natural environment and food chain on which they depend. Deforestation and habitat destruction have restricted the living space of the giant tortoises and affected their reproduction and survival, thus threatening the stability of the entire species. Changes in land use, such as the conversion of woodland to farmland, have also destroyed the natural habitat of the giant tortoises and reduced their population numbers.

## 2) Urbanisation:

Habitat destruction and ecological degradation caused by urbanization pose a direct threat to the survival of the king's turtle. As cities expand, their natural living environment is replaced by buildings and roads, reducing their living space. Urban light pollution may have interfered with the nocturnal activity and reproductive behavior of the giant tortoises, as many beetles rely on natural light sources for mating and foraging. Urban litter and pollution can also adversely affect the giant tortoises, as wastes such as plastic can be mistaken for food, causing injury or death after ingestion.

## 3) Environmental pollution:

Air pollution and water pollution pose serious challenges to the survival of the king's golden turtle. Toxic air and water quality not only directly harm their health, but may also indirectly affect their survival through
the food chain. Pollutants such as heavy metals and plastic microparticles accumulate in the environment and may be ingested by the giant golden tortoise, adversely affecting its growth and reproduction.

4) Impact on other ecosystem roles:

The giant tortoises play an important role in decomposing organic matter and participating in the cycle of matter, but this role is impaired by threats to these activities, affecting the health and stability of the ecosystem. As a food source for some birds and small mammals, their decline could affect the survival of these predators, further upsetting the ecological balance. Although the contribution of giant tortoises in the pollination process of plants is not as significant as that of bees and butterflies, their decline may also affect plant reproduction and diversity to some extent.

Factors such as agricultural and forestry activities, urbanization and environmental pollution pose multiple threats to the survival of the giant tortoise, which in turn affects its multiple roles in the ecosystem. Protecting the natural habitat and reducing the pollution to the environment are important measures to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

9. The Strategy and Suggestion of Protecting the Great King's Golden Turtle

1) Habitat Protection:

Create protected areas: Set up nature reserves in the main distribution areas of the giant tortoises, such as west and East Africa, near the equator. These reserves reduce habitat destruction and provide a relatively safe breeding and living environment for the giant tortoises.

Restore the ecosystem: Increase the area of natural habitat through artificial planting of trees and restoration of forest cover, thus providing more food and living space. This helps mitigate the negative effects of deforestation.

Monitor habitat quality: Conduct regular ecological assessments of the habitat to detect changes in environmental quality and promptly identify and address environmental issues that may pose a threat to the survival of the giant tortoises.

2) Control agroforestry activities:

Rational use of pesticides and fertilizers: promote organic agriculture and sustainable forestry management methods, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, in order to protect soil and water sources from pollution, and indirectly protect the living environment of the king flower turtle.

Publicity and education of agricultural and forestry practitioners: strengthen the environmental awareness education of agricultural and forestry practitioners, popularize the ecological function and importance of the king flower turtle, and urge them to consider ecological protection in their production activities.

3) Mitigate the impact of urbanization:

Implementing green buildings: Promoting building concepts such as green roofs and wall greening can not only improve the urban ecological environment, but also provide alternative habitats for insects such as the king's turtle.
Reduce light pollution: By limiting unnecessary night lighting, reduce disturbance to night activities of the King's golden tortoise and maintain its natural behavior and breeding rhythm.

4) Control environmental pollution:

Strengthen waste management: standardize the waste treatment and recycling system to reduce the potential threat of plastic and other waste to the king flower turtle. For example, to prevent waste plastics from being eaten by them and causing injury.

Control industrial emissions: Strictly regulate industrial emissions, especially the emission of heavy metals and toxic gases, to prevent these pollutants from entering the living environment of the giant tortoise.

Raise public awareness: raise public awareness of environmental protection through environmental publicity and education activities, and encourage everyone to participate in the action to protect the King's turtle and its ecological environment.

5) Promote scientific research:

Special research: Support scientific research projects on the ecological habits, survival needs and conservation strategies of the King's turtle, and obtain more information about its ecology and biology in order to develop more scientific conservation measures.

In general, a comprehensive approach of habitat protection, control of agroforestry activities, mitigation of urbanization, control of environmental pollution, promotion of scientific research, implementation of laws and policies, promotion of community participation and implementation of breeding and release programs can effectively protect the King's turtle and maintain its important role in the ecosystem. This will not only help maintain biodiversity and ecological balance, but also provide an important guarantee for sustainable human development.