Center for American Burying Beetle Conservation

Background

As a bright red-orange insect that embalms carrion with naturally secreted fluid, the American Burying Beetle is a necessary part of our ecosystem. These insects are responsible for recycling decomposing components back into the environment. Unfortunately, the American burying beetle has been on decline for many years now. Reasons for this decline are unknown, but evidence points to habitat loss and fragmentation. Once found in 35 states, by 1989 the only known population was in Rhode Island. Since its listing as an endangered species, field surveys have discovered populations in six other states. Four of these states - Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma - share portions of their borders with Missouri. All four of these states have found beetles in habitats with similar soil to several of Missouri's natural divisions such as prairies, savannas and Mississippi lowlands. With adequate research on what has caused this animal to become lost, the species may hopefully thrive in Missouri once again.

St. Louis Interest

The Saint Louis Zoo has a commitment to working with conservation organizations to assist with declining populations of native flora and fauna. The Zoo is actively surveying to see if the American burying beetle still resides in the state , and through these efforts may one discover a population of this endangered species. Additionally, the Center has started a successful breeding program that has already produced thousands of American burying beetles here on the Zoo campus. We are now working with other conservation organizations to reintroduce captive beetles to the wild, and helping convene leading experts through conferences at the Zoo.

Goal

To locate, monitor and study populations of American burying beetle in Missouri and develop a captive breeding population to reintroduce to Missouri habitats. Additionally, plan to develop a Species Survival Plan from captive population.

Conservation Science

Surveying for the endangered beetles has comprised the majority of our efforts for the past several years. Our contribution to reintroduction efforts, returning the beetle to parts of its former range, is the beginning of the recovery of this beautiful beetle. Genetic work organized by the Center for American Burying Beetle Conservation will provide a firm base for both reintroductions and breeding programs like the one at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Educational opportunities will provide local interest to Missouri residents and our other visitors to the Zoo. As survey work and research progresses we can present information in the containment room window, keeping visitors informed of our progress.

Partners

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Missouri Department of Conservation
The Nature Conservancy
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Roger Williams Park Zoo