African Currents

The majestic African Goliath beetle, one of the largest insects on our planet, is turning into an unexpected symbol of Africa’s disappearing rainforests. Stretching across West and Central Africa, these beetles do far more than impress with their size — they quietly keep the forest alive, helping to recycle nutrients and acting as living signals of how healthy the forests truly are.

But new research has uncovered a worrying truth: two species, Goliathus regius and Goliathus cacicus, are disappearing fast. Forests are being cleared for agriculture, and collectors are snapping up beetles for the growing insect trade. These vanishing giants are more than just insects — their decline is an urgent alarm, warning us that forests are fading and countless other creatures could follow.

To track these elusive beetles, scientists combined local knowledge with fieldwork. Their findings call for urgent action: protect habitats, engage communities, and manage forests sustainably.