The evaluation of relocation as a conservation strategy for the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) using a surrogate species (Nicrophorus marginatus)

Mark and recapture has been used for population estimates and survival estimations of many types of organisms. Conservation of rare or nuisance species animals has also been used as a conservation technique for multiple organisms including birds and mammals, but has not been thoroughly studied for insects. The American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus, is a federally endangered insect that is a habitat generalist that occurs in undisturbed areas of six U.S. states.  Because the beetles are nocturnal and active above ground for about three months per year, remaining populations can be affected by construction projects that disturb soil. In Nebraska, trap and relocation has been employed; however little data exists on mortality to beetles that are relocated, or impacts to beetles in the area to which beetles are moved.  We tested trap and relocate using a closely related burying beetle species, N. marginatus. During 2012 and 2013, 28,985 beetles were marked, relocated, and released with 1,479 beetles recaptured (5.1% recapture rate). Comparisons among three treatments (re-captures at control sites, locations where beetles were moved from, and destination sites) showed no detrimental impacts by capturing and relocating these beetles. Trapping and relocating American burying beetles can be used as a conservation measure when large areas of habitat will be disturbed.