The American Burying Beetle almost went extinct in the 1980's. In multiple states, including Massachusetts, there is a re-introduction program to save this species that we take for granted. The ABB is a scavenger, meaning that it eats dead things, or carrion. Without these scavengers, we would be knee-deep in rotting flesh and bones. The main reintroduction program is located in Providence, Rhode Island, led by Lou Perrotti. No one really knows why they began to decline, but on the other hand, the breeding program is going quite well. The species will have its day, and let us make it closer to today.
Below are links about the re-introduction program in Massachusetts: *Some of the links are not all about the Massachusetts program in particular*
http://www.fws.gov/southdakotafieldoffice/BEETLE.HTM
http://www.fws.gov/southdakotafieldoffice/ABBRecoveryPlan.pdf
http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/nicrophorus-americana-2012.pdf
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/esa_works/profile_pages/AmericanBuryingBeetle.html
This seems like a very important issue, even though it's just a small beetle. Spreading awareness of this would help, as it would be disgusting having to wade around in decaying matter.
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