The use of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) in adapting hotspot conservation to global, regional, and local scales

The use of hotspots in biodiversity conservation is controversial and complex. We review the extensive information available for tiger beetle species at global, regional, and local scales to point out problems and apply solutions. As model organisms, tiger beetles indicate that simultaneous mutli-scale approaches and increased reliance on citizen scientists are areas most likely to prove useful for successful conservation programs such as hotspots. Implications for insect conservation Our review uses tiger beetles as a model for choosing hotspots. The depth and breadth of knowledge of a taxon needed to use it in conservation are profound, and the future of hotspots in biodiversity conservation depends on this level of knowledge for a few well-studied taxa.