Half of Switzerland’s ground beetle species are threatened or extinct
Published: Monday, Nov 18th 2024, 14:50
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Half of the ground beetle species in Switzerland are threatened with extinction or are already extinct. All species that depend on floodplains, wetlands or rough pastures and meadows are particularly affected.
253 of the 497 ground beetle species examined are on the Red List. 20 species (four percent) are already extinct. A further 42 species (8.5 percent) are critically endangered, as announced by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Monday.
The habitats of ground beetles have been largely altered or destroyed over the last century. Not all species are able to maintain functioning populations, as their habitats are highly fragmented or small in size. Species that love cool and moist forests have also become rarer in recent decades, probably in connection with climate change, wrote the FOEN. Climate change is also threatening high-altitude species, some of which have very restricted ranges.
The situation is somewhat better for species in agricultural habitats, where biodiversity-promoting measures have had a positive impact in recent decades. According to the FOEN, the implementation of conservation measures has slowed the decline in species in recent years. Ground beetles respond positively to the revitalization of watercourses and measures to maintain biodiversity.
The proportion of endangered species is lower on arable land and alpine scree, the report continued. Only a few specialized species live in settlement areas and caves, all of which are very rare and in decline.
Ground beetles are among the best-studied beetles in Switzerland. They colonize all habitats from the plains to the high mountains. As they often have very specific ecological requirements and react sensitively to environmental changes, they are valuable bioindicators, writes the FOEN. They provide information on the quality of biotopes.
The current Red List was compiled in accordance with the endangerment criteria and categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It replaces Marggi's list from 1994, which was still based on other criteria.
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