Wed Mar 05 09:21:54 UTC 2025: ## Giant Goliath Beetles Face Extinction Due to Cocoa Farming and Insect Trade

**Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – March 5, 2025** – A new study reveals that two species of Goliath beetles, the world’s largest insects, are on the brink of extinction. Decades of research by Professor Luca Luiselli of the University of Lomé, Togo, indicates that the cocoa industry in West Africa is the primary culprit, having decimated the habitat of *Goliathus cacicus* by an estimated 80%. The international trade in dried insects has further exacerbated the problem, particularly impacting *Goliathus cacicus*, which has likely disappeared from several West African regions including the Banco Forest National Park.

The research, conducted through interviews with local communities and meticulous field observations, highlighted the crucial role of traditional ecological knowledge in identifying the threat. Professor Luiselli’s team tracked the beetles’ movements, observing their preference for specific trees and utilizing this information to assess population sizes. While *Goliathus regius* has also suffered habitat loss (approximately 40%), the smaller *Goliathus cacicus*, which inhabits mature rainforests, is facing a more catastrophic decline.

The study emphasizes that Goliath beetles serve as vital indicators of forest health. Their decline signals broader ecosystem damage. While other Goliathus species remain relatively abundant in certain regions of Africa, they too are vulnerable to deforestation, land conversion, mining, and climate change.

Professor Luiselli recommends several conservation strategies, including: community involvement in protecting key beetle habitats; the creation of “certified forests” where sustainable harvesting can provide livelihoods; and increased awareness campaigns. He cautions against attempts at captive breeding, citing a lack of scientific support for its effectiveness. The professor urges collaboration between scientists, governments, and non-profit organizations to implement a comprehensive conservation plan, focusing particularly on protecting remaining forests in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.

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