American burying beetle - Nicrophorus americanus - Region 5 - species reintroduction - Brief Article

Endangered Species Bulletin, March-April, 2003

American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) Reintroduction of this carrion beetle continues on Nantucket Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, has reared beetles for release since 1994. Last June, the largest effort to date occurred with over 270 pairs released at the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Sesachacha Wildlife Sanctuary and Ram Pasture (owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation).

Each pair was supplied a quail carcass to provide food for the adults and future larvae. National Public Radio was on hand to obtain information for its "Living on Earth" program. Partners essential to the success of this work include the Zoo, Massachusetts Audubon, Nantucket Conservation Fund, Maria Mitchell Natural History Museum, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Service's New England Field Office.