South African Beetles at Risk
iSimangaliso Wetland Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site has long been associated with a plethora of described species of fauna and flora - a list that continues to grow as new species are discovered by researchers undertaking a multitude of natural and social science projects in this fertile land.
One such project, a study of predaceous water beetles (Coleoptera and Hydradephaga) residing in the Lake St Lucia system, has brought to light the uncertain future for the beetles, mainly due to climate change.
According to Professor Renzo Perissinotto, leader of this project, “Water beetles are one of the dominant macroinvertebrate groups in inland waters and are excellent ecological indicators, reflecting both the diversity and composition of the wider aquatic community."
Bernard Dupont