State wildlife agency authority over insects: Providing states with the tools and funding to conserve insect species before they become endangered

Studies from across the world are showing insect declines. If we hope to stem the losses of insect
diversity, abundance and the services insects provide, society must take steps at all levels to protect,
restore and enhance habitat for these animals across all landscapes. In the U.S., state wildlife agencies
play a vital role in wildlife conservation by monitoring and developing conservation plans for declining
species and managing more than 500 million acres of wildlands. Yet in many states, wildlife agencies
cannot focus conservation efforts on bees, butterflies, dragonflies, moths and other insects because
insects are not considered “wildlife” under these states’ respective laws. This talk will explore why state
wildlife agencies are vital partners in efforts to conserve insects and discuss the policy options for
providing these agencies with the authority to help stem declines in these vital species.