Insects are present in most terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are the most diverse, abundant and biomass-rich animals. In fact, 73% of all described animal species are insects. They provide a variety of crucial ecosystem functions and services. However, many species are highly threatened with extinction and are unprotected (only 0.12% are protected at the EU level). Environmental changes caused by humans are upsetting the balance of these services, leading to further damage to health, crops and food, and accentuating the generally negative perception of insects.
Nevertheless, local conservation efforts have been underway for decades to reverse this general trend. While reintroductions (or similar actions) have long focused mainly on mammals and birds, these could complement habitat conservation actions for insects.
Based on the conservation strategy for the Crau plain Grasshopper (Prionotropis rhodanica), an endemic species of the Crau steppe which was initiated ten years ago and is now reaching the end of the LIFE SOS Criquet de Crau project, the aim is to share knowledge and identify gaps in the steps necessary for the reintroduction of an insect, such as threat analysis, scientific monitoring and conservation actions (management of the species and its habitat).
Researchers, naturalists, managers of natural and/or agricultural areas, breeders, farmers, and zoo curators are all welcome to attend or propose a presentation.
Free registration!
The symposium will take place in Arles and will include a dinner in the ancient Roman city, as well as 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, where we can share experiences and work towards better insect conservation.
Camilla Crifò & Laurent Tatin
Co-organisers for CEN PACA
