Assess the status geographic range and habitat requirements for the swift tiger beetle parvindela celeripes in oklahoma

Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 2 awarded the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) $184,521.89 under the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program (CFDA 15.634) for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. This formula grant funds a comprehensive survey and assessment of the swift tiger beetle (Parvindela celeripes) in western Oklahoma to determine its current geographic range, population status, and habitat requirements. The project will deliver survey data documenting locations where the species was and was not found, quantified individual observations, and detailed habitat characteristics across both private and public properties. These deliverables will enable state and federal wildlife organizations to make informed conservation decisions and allow future researchers to anticipate potential threats to this vulnerable species before major population impacts occur.

ODWC subawarded a portion of these funds to Oklahoma State University to conduct the field surveys and data collection. The SWG Program supports state fish and wildlife agencies in implementing strategic, proactive conservation initiatives benefiting species of greatest conservation need identified in state Wildlife Action Plans, with the objective of preventing species decline and avoiding the need for future endangered species protections.

Given its vulnerability and the lack of knowledge on its current range and population size IT is important to conduct surveys in oklahoma to better understand its status. This project will result in a thorough survey of P. Celeripes in western oklahoma including sites on both private and public property. Survey data will include the location of sites where P. Celeripes was and wasnt found habitat characteristics and number of individuals observed during surveys. This will improve our understanding of the distribution and abundance of P. Celeripes in the state allowing state and federal organizations to make informed decisions on the status of the species. Having a clearer picture of where P. Celeripes occurs and what its habitat requirements are will also allow future researchers and conservation organizations to anticipate potential threats to the species before they have a major impact.