Lessons+learned

While you conclude the section on the future of the Puritan tiger beetle, consider one of the lessons that conservationists have begun to apply in the last ten years. That is local communities must be convinced of the benefits of preserving biodiversity. The plight of the Puritan tiger beetle seems to reinforce the notion that saving threatened species can only be successful when partnerships are formed. The good news is that there are indications that this is now happening, and perhaps that will be the development that turns the corner in the decline of this interesting species, and its biological community.

In 2010, a steering committee was formed to study the most contentious issue that has plagued the recovery plan you have been studying. In Calvert county, how should the dispute over the conflicting interests of species living in the natural world below the cliffs be reconciled with the humans living above them. As you will see during the class activities that follow, both sides of the issue have valid arguments. When both sides of an argument have so much at stake, it is very challenging to compromise. The well-being of the humans and tiger beetles whose lives have come together are being considered by a group consisting of biologists, geologists, engineers, local real estate experts, as well as county, state, and federal government officials (33).

Perhaps the next ten years of preserving biodiversity in these ancient communities will fare better, if all interests begin working together.