IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Mediterranean beetles for Red Listing

10 May 2012 | Event

This Friday 11 May 2012, Mediterranean experts on saproxylic beetles will meet in Granada, Spain to prepare for the IUCN Red List of Saproxylic Beetles under the leadership of  the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN-Med)

Saproxylic beetles are involved in or dependent on wood decay and therefore play an important role in decomposition processes, assisting in the recycling of nutrients in natural ecosystems. This type of beetles is associated with both dead and living trees, with many of them involved in different pollination stages.

The aim of this experts' gathering is to present the IUCN-Med initiative for the development of Red Lists of endangered species at Mediterranean level and to discuss with the experts the list of species that will be assessed as part of this project.  A total of 400-500 different beetle species are scheduled to be reviewed.

In addition, the meeting will serve as a training workshop for scientists on how to apply the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria at both global and regional levels. By the end of the day, participants will have a good understanding of the process for completing the assessment of species and the allocation of conservation status using the internationally reknown IUCN methodology.

The IUCN presentations and working sessions will take place at the Faculty of Sciences of Granada University.

The IUCN Red List workshop is a prelude to the “7th Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of Saproxylic Beetles”, which will take place in Granada on 12-14 May 2012.

More information: Catherine Numa