Beetles of conservation interest from the Three Kings Islands: a report submitted to the Department of Conservation, Northland Conservancy

Abstract

The aim of this report is to summarise the current state of knowledge of seven species of Three Kings Islands’ beetles that have a high conservation value and are considered to be vulnerable species. The report provides information on taxonomy, non-technical identification, biology, habitat, distribution and conservation for each species. This information may encourage field staff to study these species (and others) during visits to the islands. The species covered here are mainly larger, less mobile (mostly flightless) species, which are especially susceptible to predation. There are many other species - mostly smaller, less apparent species - that are also worthy of consideration, but require more specialised entomological knowledge to study and are beyond the scope of this report. This report also aims to draw attention to the very high conservation value of the islands’ beetle fauna as a whole and the need to develop a conservation management strategy for this fauna.