Living Desert conducts endangered beetle survey
The Living Desert zoo in Palm Desert will coordinate a survey today of the endangered June Beetle, which is found only in the Palm Springs area, in order to gather data on its biology, feeding patterns and other characteristics.
Casey’s June Beetles were once spread across the entire Coachella Valley but their habitat has been reduced to 600 acres in the Palm Canyon Wash area, the only place they are found anywhere in the world, according to the Living Desert. The beetles were placed on the endangered species list in September 2011.
A group of volunteers will gather data on the beetle this evening, one of several rangewide surveys planned annually during flight season, which begins in late March to early April and ends in mid-June.
Zoo officials believe the beetle is integral to the local ecosystem in its likely consumption of decaying plant matter, though a dearth of knowledge regarding its biology has kept officials from determining exactly what species the beetle consumes. Its reduced population and mostly underground lifestyle have kept many of these facets hidden from researchers.
The surveys also continue the work of recently deceased U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biologist Chris Gregory, who spearheaded the survey, zoo officials said. Two more survey dates are planned for next month.
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