Abstract

Traditionally, conservation efforts have been directed at saving large vertebrates and their habitats. There is increasing awareness, however, of threats to invertebrates and concern about detrimental effects of loss of invertebrate diversity. I summarize the geographic distribution of extinct and threatened U.S. invertebrates, discuss reasons for recent extinctions, and comment on the role invertebrates should play in conservation strategies. Areas of great endemism are also areas of greater observed and potential extinctions. These include Hawaii, California, large eastern river systems, and subterranean caves. Several examples of successful efforts to conserve endangered invertebrates are provided. The preservation of small remaining parcels of native habitat even in urban areas can help maintain invertebrate diversity. The chapter concludes with suggestions for ways that studies of invertebrate diversity can contribute to theories of reserve design and habitat restoration.