Population structure of a sand dune-obligate beetle, Eusattus muricatus, and its implications

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Britten, Hugh B.; Rust, Richard W.

Source:

Conservation Biology, Blackwell Publishing for Society for Conservation Biology, Volume 10, Issue 2, p.647-652 (1996)

Call Number:

A96BRI02IDUS

URL:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/2386880

Keywords:

Eusattus muricatus, sand dune beetle

Abstract:

Because of the fossorial habitat and the ubiquity of the most common sand dune-obligate beetle, Eusattus muricatus, the authors studied this beetle because it may serve as an umbrella species for other sand dune-obligate species. Their study determined levels of genetic isolation of E. muricatus populations on insular dunes. From the estimates, the authors then developed a broad strategy for the conservation of sand dune-obligate organisms in the Great Basin and Mojave deserts. The issue of habitat preservation for the sand dune-obligate biota of these deserts will increase in importance as the human population of the area increases and as recreational and other pressures on sand dunes rise as a result.