Goliath Beetle

This enormous insect (Goliathus regius) is one of the largest and heaviest in the world. Its home is the Guinean Forests of West Africa, a rapidly fragmenting area of lowland tropical forest where the world’s biggest insects can be seen alongside the world’s smallest hippos (Hexaprotodon liberiensis). The beetle spends its days searching the forest canopy for fruits and flowers.

Scientists predict the majority of extinctions will be among invertebrates, yet the conservation status of most species, even ones as striking as the Goliath beetle, have yet to be evaluated. Based on what is known today, it is likely this beetle would fall into one of the highest threat categories.

Unfortunately, many species will be driven to extinction without us even knowing of their existence, let alone their conservation status. For most, habitat loss, and eventually climate change, will probably be the main causes of their demise. Deforestation from logging and mining poses the greatest threat to the beetle’s future. Sought by insect collectors worldwide, it’s also at risk from over-harvesting.

Our Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) has surveyed many previously unexplored parts of the world and identified new species on land and in the oceans. Although bigger animals often get more attention, the majority of new discoveries are of invertebrates. CI-Ghana, CI-Liberia, and numerous local partners are working together to identify and protect critical sites for these species, while balancing the social and economic needs of communities highly dependent on natural resources.

Stop the Clock on Species Extinction