Legislation/Policy Article from All-Creatures.org

Habitat Protected for a Tiny, Shiny Insect: Miami Tiger Beetle

From Center for Biological Diversity
May 2023

Small as a grain of rice Miami tiger beetles have a beautiful emerald sheen.

In an important victory for the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just protected nearly 2,000 acres of habitat for endangered Miami tiger beetles in South Florida.

As small as a grain of rice, Miami tiger beetles have a beautiful emerald sheen. Just like tigers, they’re aggressive predators with strong mandibles. But their last two populations are threatened by developments — including a waterpark we’re challenging in court — and sea-level rise.

Under the Endangered Species Act, the Service is supposed to designate critical habitat whenever it protects a U.S. species. But (as usual), we had to sue to make that happen for these beetles.

Species with critical habitat are more than twice as likely to be recovering than species without it. That’s why, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Act this year, we also fight like hell to defend and strengthen this lifesaving law.

---

Return to Legislation/Policy Articles