Conservation Efforts
One of the populations of C. ohlone is located in the grassland patch of Marshall field in the upper campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Trails through the patch serve as open space needed by C. ohlone, but are also used by mountain bikers. During C. ohlone mating season temporary fences have been put up to block off the trails to protect the beetles since 2003 on nearby California State Parks' property. On both UC Santa Cruz and State Parks' property, controlled burns in this area have reduced the density of vegetation in an effort to provide better suited habitat for C. ohlone. Additionally, the City of Santa Cruz has restored cattle grazing on its Moore Creek Preserve; the rancher overseeing the cattle has adjusted grazing in such a way to restore Ohlone tiger beetle habitat. Effects of these efforts are not well known, though the State Parks' and Santa Cruz City Moore Creek Greenbelt populations of the species has been maintained whereas most other populations have declined. More research will need to be done to effectively protect C. ohlone.
Despite its legal protection, landowners continue to threaten the species. One landowner apparently maliciously destroyed habitat after being told about sensitive locations of the species' burrows. Another landowner purposefully removed cattle grazing in order to reduce habitat quality with the hope of more readily developing their land. Still another landowner has allowed trespass and habitat destruction. Finally, a private landowner destroyed acres of core habitat by developing a vineyard just before the species was listed.
Even conservation lands owners have added to the species' decline: one park agency spread gravel extensively over larval habitat of the species in an effort to 'improve' trails; still another agency removed horse grazing, re-routed public access, and stopped beneficial management practices, extirpating this important population.
Even though all of the aforementioned detrimental activities have been well documented and dutifully reported to regulatory agencies, no agency has taken enforcement action against the perpetrators, leading to grave doubts if this species can be saved from extinction.
Read more about this topic: Ohlone Tiger Beetle
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