Insects are present in most terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They represent the most diverse, abundant and biomass-rich animals. Seventy-three per cent (73%) of described animal species are insects. They provide diverse and crucial ecosystem functions and services. However, many species are highly threatened with extinction, unprotected (0,12% protected at EU level), and environmental changes caused by humans are upsetting the balance of services provided, leading to more damage (health, crops, food), further accentuating a generally negative perception.
Nevertheless, conservation efforts have been made locally for decades to reverse this general trend. While reintroductions (or similar actions) have long been focused mainly on mammals and birds, they could be used to complement habitat conservation actions in the case of insects.
Based on the conservation strategy for the Crau plain grasshopper (Prionotropis rhodanica), an endemic species to the Crau steppe, which was initiated 10 years ago and reaches now the end of the LIFE SOS Criquet de Crau project, the aim is to share knowledge (and identify gaps) on all the steps necessary for the reintroduction (or similar operation) of an insect: threat analysis, scientific monitoring, conservation actions (management of the species and its habitat).
Researchers, naturalists, natural and/or agricultural area managers, breeders, farmers and zoo curators are all welcome to attend or propose a presentation.
The symposium will take place in Arles (including a dinner in the ancient Roman city) and includes excursions to the Coussoul de Crau Natural National Reserve, where P. rhodanica is found and conserved.
We hope to see many of you at this event to share experiences for better insect conservation.
Camilla Crifò & Laurent Tatin
co-organizers for CEN PACA
Prionotropis rhodanica © CEN PACA