Completion Form

2022

1. Monitoring of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle population. Monitoring of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle is a critical component of its recovery and management. The monitoring of adult numbers since 1998 has shown that the designated conservation area has been critical in sustaining a higher percentage of the total population during times of population decline. Past studies have demonstrated that an accurate approach to determining population size in this species is a removal method (Barry Knisley and Charles Gowan). Previous studies have demonstrated that other methods commonly used to estimate population size of tiger beetles, especially visual index counts and mark-recapture, are less effective and result in significant over- or underestimates of abundance. The removal method involves three researchers moving systematically throughout an interdunal swale where beetles occur and collecting individual beetles with an insect net. Captured beetles are held in individual vials in a cooler until a second, third, and sometimes additional replicate passes are made throughout the swale area to collect all beetles present. The numbers caught are reduced with each pass and the total numbers collected in each pass are used in the Program CAPTURE to determine the total number per swale. This procedure is repeated in all 35-40 interdunal swales within the dune field where beetles have been found, and from these a total population size and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Each swale area is then mapped with a handheld GPS unit and the coordinates used to produce a GIS map to show beetle distribution and density. Sampling methods will be continuously evaluated as new technologies become available.

2. Effects of Physical Factors on Population Dynamics. One of the most important considerations for implementing effective management and protection strategies is knowing the key factors that influence population dynamics of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle. Studies to date have suggested rainfall levels may be the most important factor involved, but more complete analysis of rainfall data over additional years is needed to support this hypothesis. We will continue to monitor rainfall and attempt to correlate it with population dynamics. Previous studies have used rainfall data from the Kanab weather station but the use of another weather station at the State Park can allow for more reliable correlations over several years.

3. Adult Surveys throughout the Dune Field (Figure 1). Earlier studies and additional surveys in 2012-2021 documented that adults and larvae are highly restricted within and in swales near the current Conservation Area. We will follow the same sampling methods as in 2012-2021 and will conduct surveys of adults and larvae throughout the dune field in an attempt to determine if there exist other pockets of beetles and potential habitat which may have been previously overlooked.

4. Habitat Suitability of the Travel Corridor. Physical properties of prime habitat for beetles in the Conservation Area (Figure 1) will also be a primary focus of this study. We will continue these studies in 2022-2027, primarily by mapping clay lenses or gravel patches which seem to be important areas for oviposition and larval development. Other geological features, especially dune structure will also be examined relative to beetle abundance.

5. Population Dynamics and Management Strategies. The results of our research along with other recent studies will be used for implementation and needed modifications of the newly revised Conservation Agreement. These continuing studies will hopefully contribute to the long term conservation of C. albissima.

6. Dune movement. We will continue monitoring dune movement by mapping the ridgelines throughout the habitat area.

This project is being done in support of the Conservation Agreement (first implemented in 1998) and later revised in 2014 for the protection of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle (CPSDTB), Cicindela albissima, an insect that occurs only within the Coral Pink Sand Dunes of Utah, and was a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The agreement was developed and signed by BLM, USFWS, Utah State Parks and Recreation and Kane County. The goals of this agreement are to ensure long term protection of this species by identifying and reducing threats to the beetle and its habitat, by designating areas for its protection within the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, by monitoring the population to continually evaluate its status, and by conducting additional biological studies that inform effective management. Southern Utah University (SUU) is taking over this long term project that was initially conducted by faculty (Barry Knisley and Charles Gowan) at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA. This study was initiated in 1991 with the previous group completing a 5-year Challenge Cost Share Award that supported the objectives of the agreement. SUU faculty became part of the study in 2021 to continue this long term project into the future. The study is a continuation of previous work and is designed to extend our knowledge of the beetle for its protection and to further contribute to understanding of the Coral Pink Sand Dune ecosystem and its biological diversity.

The specific objectives of this project are to: 1) Continue monitoring the beetle population size and its habitat; 2) Study the effects of rainfall and soil moisture on population dynamics, oviposition, and larval survival and development; 3) Conduct a full survey of the dune field to determine if adults or larvae occur in previously unknown locations; 4) Continue studies of the suitability of the travel corridor area as potential habitat, including geological features in conservation area A versus the adjacent travel corridor; 5) Monitor dune ridgeline movement, and 5) Make recommendations for management for the beetle at CPSD.

The Coral Pink Sand Dune Tiger Beetle is probably one of Utah's rarest animals and its unique dune habitat is a resource of significant cultural and biological value and beauty. The dunes themselves provide immeasurable recreational and educational opportunities for the general public. These benefits include being a popular OHV recreation site for 4-wheel enthusiasts, and as a popular site for outdoor photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The information obtained in this study will contribute to the management of this site for continuing the multiple uses of this important natural area and Utah resource.

The activities included in this project directly and indirectly contribute to several of the stated key Joint Objectives of the Utah CCS program. These include research and monitoring of the state's resources (the rare tiger beetle), research relevant for implementation of habitat improvement, species conservation and recovery, and environmental education.

Funds from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources were used by SUU faculty (Dr. Govedich, Dr. Wells, Dr. Bain) for funding the travel to the fall larval sampling trip.  A summary of that survey is attached under Images/Documents.

Katie Gomez

08/18/2022 16:14:29