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Schroer S, Austen K, Moczek N, Kalinkat G, Jechow A, Heller S, Reinhard J, Dehn S, Wuthenow CI, Post-Stapelfeldt M, van Grunsven RHA, Pérez Vega C, Schumacher H, Kaanaa L, Saathoff B, Völker S, Hölker F. Towards Insect-Friendly Road Lighting-A Transdisciplinary Multi-Stakeholder Approach Involving Citizen Scientists. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121117. [PMID: 34940205 PMCID: PMC8706979 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Road lighting is a service provided at night, mainly to ensure the secure and safe passage of humans. However, lighting at night can have adverse effects on insects or ecosystems, which are not yet considered in planning. Here, we introduce a comprehensive approach for the design and implementation of a novel insect-friendly road luminaire. The lighting design provides an optimized radiation geometry that avoids emissions at the trajectory height of insects, reduces the attraction of insects and the fragmentation of their habitats, and at the same time provides adequate night-time illumination in residential areas. The effects of the new design on insect behavior and night sky brightness will be evaluated two years before and two years after the change of the road luminaires and additionally in a direct comparison, as some luminaires of the old design will remain as controls. Citizen scientists are involved in the identification of insects and the measurement of night sky brightness. A broad public engagement program also highlights discussions about the competing interests of different stakeholders in lighting design, explicitly including the effects of illumination on insect fauna and biodiversity. Abstract (1) The project “Tatort Streetlight” implements an insect-friendly road light design in a four year before–after, control–impact (BACI) approach involving citizen scientists. It will broaden the stakeholder interests from solely anthropogenic perspectives to include the welfare of insects and ecosystems. Motivated by the detrimental impacts of road lighting systems on insects, the project aims to find solutions to reduce the insect attraction and habitat fragmentation resulting from roadway illumination. (2) The citizen science approach invites stakeholders to take part and join forces for the development of a sustainable and environmentally friendly road lighting solution. Here, we describe the project strategy, stakeholder participation and motivation, and how the effects of the alternative road luminaire and lighting design can be evaluated. (3) The study compares the changes in (a) insect behavior, (b) night sky brightness, and (c) stakeholder participation and awareness. For this purpose, different experimental areas and stakeholders in four communities in Germany are identified. (4) The project transfers knowledge of adverse effects of improperly managed road illumination and interacts with various stakeholders to develop a new road lighting system that will consider the well-being of street users, local residents, and insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Schroer
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-306-4181-717
| | - Kat Austen
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Nicola Moczek
- PSY: PLAN Institute for Architectural and Environmental Psychology, 10245 Berlin, Germany;
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Kalinkat
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Andreas Jechow
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Stefan Heller
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Johanna Reinhard
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Sophia Dehn
- NABU RV Westhavelland e.V., Milower Land, 14715 Brandenburg, Germany;
| | - Charis I. Wuthenow
- Umweltzentrum Fulda-Zentrum für Nachhaltigkeit, Gartenkultur und Tierpädagogik e.V., 36041 Fulda, Germany;
| | | | | | - Catherine Pérez Vega
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Schumacher
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Leena Kaanaa
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Birte Saathoff
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Stephan Völker
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Franz Hölker
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
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Thomaes A, Barbalat S, Bardiani M, Bower L, Campanaro A, Fanega Sleziak N, Gonçalo Soutinho J, Govaert S, Harvey D, Hawes C, Kadej M, Méndez M, Meriguet B, Rink M, Rossi De Gasperis S, Ruyts S, Jelaska LŠ, Smit J, Smolis A, Snegin E, Tagliani A, Vrezec A. The European Stag Beetle ( Lucanus cervus) Monitoring Network: International Citizen Science Cooperation Reveals Regional Differences in Phenology and Temperature Response. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12090813. [PMID: 34564253 PMCID: PMC8466357 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary International cooperation is needed to prevent the loss of threatened species. To evaluate the situation, standardised monitoring is an important tool. Involving the general public (citizen science) can play a crucial role in realising such international monitoring. Here we report on the start-up and initial findings of the European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network (ESBMN), an international network of stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) monitoring schemes using the same protocol. This network aims to regularly assess local and international changes in the population of the stag beetle. Therefore, an internationally standardised protocol was agreed and a website was created where volunteers can create a transect and submit the data of their transect walks. Currently, the number of transects and transect walks submitted is increasing annually and will soon allow trend analysis. Our initial experience with the ESBMN shows that volunteers need more guidance and encouragement to avoid them dropping out of the project. In conclusion, we believe this system of international cooperation can be used for other charismatic insects in order to evaluate their threatened status and plan conservation actions. Abstract To address the decline in biodiversity, international cooperation in monitoring of threatened species is needed. Citizen science can play a crucial role in achieving this challenging goal, but most citizen science projects have been established at national or regional scales. Here we report on the establishment and initial findings of the European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network (ESBMN), an international network of stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) monitoring schemes using the same protocol. The network, started in 2016, currently includes 14 countries (see results) but with a strong variation in output regarding the number of transects (148 successful transects in total) and transect walks (1735). We found differences across European regions in the number of stag beetles recorded, related to phenology and temperature, but not for time of transect start. Furthermore, the initial experiences of the ESBMN regarding international cooperation, citizen science approach, and drop-out of volunteers is discussed. An international standardised protocol that allows some local variation is essential for international collaboration and data management, and analysis is best performed at the international level, whereas recruiting, training, and maintaining volunteers is best organised locally. In conclusion, we appeal for more joint international citizen science-based monitoring initiatives assisting international red-listing and conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Thomaes
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Marco Bardiani
- Raparto Carabinieri Biodiversità di Verona, Centro Nazionale Carabinieri Biodiversità ‘Bosco Fontana’, 46045 Marmirolo, Italy;
| | - Laura Bower
- People’s Trust for Endangered Species, London SW8 4BG, UK;
| | | | - Natalia Fanega Sleziak
- Department of Biosystems (BIOSYST), Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - João Gonçalo Soutinho
- Associação Bioliving, 3850-635 Frossos, Portugal;
- CIBIO/InBIO—Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sanne Govaert
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Environment, Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Deborah Harvey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK;
| | - Colin Hawes
- Independent Researcher, Bentley IP9 2BS, UK;
| | - Marcin Kadej
- Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland; (M.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Marcos Méndez
- Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28933 Móstoles, Spain;
| | - Bruno Meriguet
- Office Pour Les Insectes et Leur Environnement, 78280 Guyancourt, France;
| | - Markus Rink
- Hirschkäferfreunde-Nature Two e.V., 56859 Alf, Germany;
| | - Sarah Rossi De Gasperis
- Department of Biology-Natural History Museum ‘La Specola’, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy;
| | | | - Lucija Šerić Jelaska
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - John Smit
- European Invertebrate Survey—The Netherlands/Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Adrian Smolis
- Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland; (M.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Eduard Snegin
- Biology and Chemistry Department, Belgorod State University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia;
| | - Arianna Tagliani
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Al Vrezec
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Fascination and Joy: Emotions Predict Urban Gardeners' Pro-Pollinator Behaviour. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12090785. [PMID: 34564225 PMCID: PMC8469086 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The protection of pollinating insects depends on public support. Citizen science (CS) is frequently discussed as a way to promote interest and conservation action for pollinators. In cities, the drivers behind pollinator-friendly behaviour are largely unclear. We surveyed 111 community gardeners in Berlin and Munich, Germany, some of which were participating in a citizen science project. We created four different sets of generalized linear models to analyse how the gardeners’ pro-pollinator behaviour intentions and behaviour were explained by the gardener’s identity, emotions towards pollinators, attitudes towards pollinators and nature-relatedness. Respondents who were fascinated by pollinators, held positive attitudes, and felt joy about seeing pollinators reported intentions to protect or support pollinators. Similarly, joy about seeing pollinators was a predictor of participation in the CS project. We believe that CS may represent a pathway through which urban residents may become key actors in conservation projects within their nearby greenspaces. Abstract The conservation of pollinators requires social understanding to catalyse restoration action. Citizen science (CS) is discussed as a way to promote interest and action for pollinating insects. Yet, the drivers behind pro-pollinator behaviour are largely unclear, especially in urban areas. To better understand public engagement in pollinator conservation, we studied urban community gardeners’ identity, nature-relatedness, emotions, and attitudes toward pollinators and their intentions to get involved in pro-pollinator behaviour in their gardening practice. We surveyed community gardeners in Berlin and Munich, Germany, some of which were participating in a citizen science project. In this scientific study, we created four different sets of generalized linear models to analyse how the gardeners’ pro-pollinator behaviour intentions and behaviour were explained by socio-psychological factors. The responses of 111 gardeners revealed that gardeners that were fascinated by pollinators, held positive attitudes and felt joy about seeing pollinators reported intentions to protect or support pollinators, suggesting that fascination and joy can be harnessed for research and conservation on pollinators. Similarly, joy about seeing pollinators predicted participation in the CS project. We believe that CS may represent a pathway through which urban residents may become key actors in conservation projects within their nearby greenspaces.
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Fontaine C, Fontaine B, Prévot AC. Do amateurs and citizen science fill the gaps left by scientists? CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 46:83-87. [PMID: 33727201 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The diversity of insects is tremendous and so is the effort needed to assess it in order to better understand insect ecology as well as their role for the functioning of ecosystems. While the interest of academics and naturalists for these species has always existed, it is only recently that such interest started to reach society more generally. From insect taxonomy and distribution to the collection of large range and long scale monitoring data, the involvement of non-academics in research outputs is growing. Is this a sign of scientists not being able to meet expectations or of science getting more and more entrenched in society? We argue for the latter, highlighting the opportunities that such involvement of amateurs in insect science represent for insect conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Fontaine
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, CESCO, UMR7204, MNHN, CNRS, SU, France.
| | - Benoît Fontaine
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, CESCO, UMR7204, MNHN, CNRS, SU, France
| | - Anne-Caroline Prévot
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, CESCO, UMR7204, MNHN, CNRS, SU, France
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Moczek N, Nuss M, Köhler JK. Volunteering in the Citizen Science Project "Insects of Saxony"-The Larger the Island of Knowledge, the Longer the Bank of Questions. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12030262. [PMID: 33804789 PMCID: PMC8003976 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In a cross-sectional survey study (N = 116), volunteers of the project Insects of Saxony were asked about their current and past volunteering activities, their motivations, their rating of organisational offers, their knowledge, their satisfaction with the project and their personal contribution, and their intended future involvement. Participants in the study were mostly male, well-educated, over 50 years old, and had been volunteering in biodiversity projects for a long time. They were driven by both pro-social (altruistic) and self-serving (egoistic) motivations, but rated the pro-social functions as more important for their engagement. Communication and feedback were rated the most important organisational offers. Participants also reported a knowledge increase during project participation. While the volunteers were satisfied with the overall project, they were significantly less content with their own contribution. Results from the survey were followed up with a group discussion (N = 60). The anecdotes revealed the participants' regret of not having more time for their hobby, and they emphasised the challenges that arise from the different scientific approaches of the various disciplines. Most participants indicated that they want to continue their volunteering. Implications for measuring motivations in citizen science projects and for volunteer management are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Moczek
- PSY: PLAN Institute for Architectural and Environmental Psychology, 10245 Berlin, Germany
- Museum für Naturkunde, Programme Society and Nature, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Matthias Nuss
- Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden, Museum of Zoology, Lepitoptera Section, 01109 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Jana Katharina Köhler
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria;
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Mazza G, Nerva L, Strangi A, Mori E, Chitarra W, Carapezza A, Mei M, Marianelli L, Roversi PF, Campanaro A, Cianferoni F. Scent of Jasmine Attracts Alien Invaders and Records on Citizen Science Platforms: Multiple Introductions of the Invasive Lacebug Corythauma ayyari (Drake, 1933) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Italy and the Mediterranean Basin. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090620. [PMID: 32927750 PMCID: PMC7565189 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The jasmine lacebug Corythauma ayyari is a pest of cultivated and ornamental plants mainly associated to Jasminum spp. This invasive insect is native to Asia, and it has been recently introduced in several countries, mainly within the Mediterranean basin. Here, we updated the known distribution of this species, including five new Italian regions (Liguria, Tuscany, Latium, Apulia, and Calabria); Salamis Island in Greece, and the Occitanie region in France. Citizen-science data have significantly contributed to the knowledge on species distribution, and the online platform for sharing biodiversity information can represent an effective tool for the early detection. Molecular analyses revealed that the specimens collected in Peninsular Italy and Sicily belong to a unique clade, suggesting the possibility of a single introduction, whereas those from Menton (France) and Calabria (Southern Italy) are separated from the others and probably originate from separated introductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Mazza
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Luca Nerva
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10125 Torino, Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (Treviso), Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRET), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy;
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10125 Torino, Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (Treviso), Italy
| | - Attilio Carapezza
- University of Palermo, Via Sandro Botticelli 15, 90144 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Mei
- Entomology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Valerio Massimo 6, 00142 Roma, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Marianelli
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Pio F. Roversi
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Campanaro
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRET), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy;
- Zoology, “La Specola”, Natural History Museum, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Distribution and habitat preferences of the stag beetle Lucanus cervus (L.) in forested areas of Poland. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1043. [PMID: 31974425 PMCID: PMC6978315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of Lucanus cervus (L.) in Annex 2 of the EU Habitats Directive imposed on EU member countries the obligation to prepare protection plans and undertake adequate measures aimed at the preservation of this species. A necessary precondition for their implementation was connected with the identification of current localities of L. cervus. This paper presents the distribution of L. cervus localities in Poland, identified on the basis of a survey conducted in the areas administered by the State Forests. Habitat preferences for the selection of biotopes by stag beetles were evaluated in terms of forest-site types. This will facilitate effective protection of L. cervus by indicating potential biotopes for this species, particularly in areas with high abundance. The survey showed the presence of L. cervus in 176 localities distributed in 47 forest districts. Most of them were found in three main areas comprising forests in the areas of Zielona Góra, Wrocław and the Świętokrzyskie Mts. They constitute large-scale refuges. In 98% of cases the development of L. cervus was associated with oaks Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. Other host plants included Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus. The age of trees colonised by stag beetles ranged from 70 to 248 years, 134 years on average. Lucanus cervus was most frequently found in deciduous mesic forest sites (41% of localities) and deciduous mixed mesic forest sites (24% of localities). Over 90% of recorded localities are situated in forested areas, understood to include stands, residual trees and stumps, as well as localities at forest edges and along roads in the vicinity of forests.
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Lamarre GPA, Juin Y, Lapied E, Le Gall P, Nakamura A. Using field-based entomological research to promote awareness about forest ecosystem conservation. NATURE CONSERVATION 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.29.26876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between plants, insect herbivores and associated predators represent the majority of terrestrial biodiversity. Insects are vital food sources for many other organisms and provide important ecosystem functions and services including pollination, waste removal and biological control. We propose a complete and reproducible education programme to guide students to understand the importance of managing and conserving forest ecosystems in their region through the study of insect ecology and natural history. Our programme involved lectures, workshops and field surveys of insects with a group of 60 high school students in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). It addresses the key stages of an entomological research project including: 1) general entomological knowledge and understanding the role of insects in terrestrial diversity and in ecosystem functioning and services; (2) the proposal of simple research questions including hypothesis development and evaluation using scientific literature, 3) fieldwork using different types of light traps; 4) sorting and identification of the insect orders using simple diagnostic keys and illustrated plates; 5) analysing and interpreting the results and 6) demonstrating findings to peers and a public audience. Identifying insects, exploring their natural history and understanding their functions in the field bring the students towards a better understanding and awareness of the importance of forest ecosystem conservation.
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Carpaneto GM, Campanaro A, Hardersen S, Audisio P, Bologna MA, Roversi PF, Peverieri GS, Mason F. The LIFE Project “Monitoring of insects with public participation” (MIPP): aims, methods and conclusions. NATURE CONSERVATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.35.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Life Project “Monitoring of insects with public participation” (LIFE11 NAT/IT/000252) had as the main objective to develop and test methods for the monitoring of five beetle species listed in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC): Osmodermaeremita (hermit beetle, Scarabaeidae), Lucanuscervus (European stag beetle, Lucanidae), Cerambyxcerdo (great capricorn beetle, Cerambycidae), Rosaliaalpina (rosalia longicorn, Cerambycidae) and Morimusasper/funereus (morimus longicorn, Cerambycidae). The data gathered represent an important contribution to the monitoring of these target species in Italy. The methods developed for monitoring of the target species are intended for use by the local management authorities and staff of protected areas. These developed methods are the result of extensive fieldwork and ensure scientific validity, ease of execution and limited labour costs. The detailed description of methods and the results for each species are published in separate articles of this special issue of Nature Conservation. A second objective of the project was to gather faunistic data with a Citizen Science approach, using the web and a mobile application software (app) specifically built for mobile devices. The validation of the records collected by the citizens was carried out by experts, based on photographs, which were obligatory for all records. Dissemination activities represented the principal way to contact and engage citizens for the data collection and also offered the possibility of providing information on topics such as Natura 2000, the Habitats Directive, the role of monitoring in nature conservation, the importance of forest ecosystems and the ecological role of the saproxylic insects. An innovative method tested during the project was the training of a dog for searching and monitoring the elusive hermit beetle; the trained dog also added a “curiosity” factor to attract public attention towards this rare insect and the issues mentioned above.
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Campanaro A, Redolfi De Zan L, Hardersen S, Antonini G, Chiari S, Cini A, Mancini E, Mosconi F, Rossi de Gasperis S, Solano E, Bologna MA, Sabbatini Peverieri G. Guidelines for the monitoring of Rosalia alpina. NATURE CONSERVATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.20.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Bardiani M, Chiari S, Maurizi E, Tini M, Toni I, Zauli A, Campanaro A, Carpaneto GM, Audisio P. Guidelines for the monitoring of Lucanus cervus. NATURE CONSERVATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.20.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Carpaneto GM, Campanaro A, Hardersen S, Audisio P, Bologna MA, Roversi PF, Peverieri GS, Mason F. The LIFE Project “Monitoring of insects with public participation” (MIPP): aims, methods and conclusions. NATURE CONSERVATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.20.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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