The Back Beach Beetle rides again...

Nelson is well known for many things, but among entomologists its fame lies in the presence of a tiny beetle thought to only be found at the Tahunanui Back Beach – hence known as the Back Beach Beetle.

The beetle is considered to be critically endangered because of its limited distribution amongst the tidal flats at the Back Beach. However, recent surveys commissioned by Council's Nelson Nature programme found a second, previously unrecorded population of this special creature at Delaware Inlet.

Nelson Nature will be undertaking further surveys in the Nelson area next summer to see if the secretive beetle is elsewhere in the region. Councillor Brian McGurk, Co-Chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committee, said that the species has been identified as a high priority species for management within the Waimea Inlet. "It is really great news, and we hope we may find more populations of this unique beetle in the Nelson/Tasman region."

Nelson Nature will be working with the Department of Conservation to determine how to protect this tiny Nelson treasure in the long term.

Check out our Nelson Nature video about the Back Beach Beetle at nelson.govt.nz/back-beach-beetle