Why was no critical habitat designated for the Puritan tiger beetle when it was listed?
Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act requires the designation of critical habitat to the extent prudent and determinable at the time the species is listed. Tiger beetles are highly sought after by amateur collectors. Publication of maps detailing specific locations of these beetles would increase the probability of their being over-collected. The designation of critical habitat was determined not to be prudent because the threat of over-collection would outweigh any benefit.
