Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are key components of Nevada’s ecosystem, pollinating crops and native plants while serving as food for countless species.
There are thousands of these terrestrial invertebrates — land-dwelling species that lack backbones — in Nevada. But there’s a gap in how they’re managed and protected.
Agencies in charge of overseeing the state’s wildlife either don’t know enough about the terrestrial invertebrates to protect them or don’t have the explicit authority to do so. Nevada legislators determine which species state agencies manage.
The Nevada Division of Natural Heritage maintains data and status information on many of the species, but does not have statutory authority to manage them. Nor does the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The Nevada Department of Agriculture only has authority over insects considered pests.
That gap in management prevents effective conservation and stewardship, according to wildlife managers and conservationists.
“Invertebrates are generally overlooked for a number of reasons,” said Jon Young, NDOW wildlife staff specialist. “But more and more states and scientists are acknowledging that ‘OK, if we’re serious about protecting the habitat, we can’t not talk about plants and bugs.’ That’s the most obvious connection – without one you don’t have the other.”