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The State of the UK's Invertebrate Fauna: project under development

Although there is conclusive evidence that many groups of invertebrates - including bumblebees and butterflies - are in rapid decline, there is no overall picture of the wellbeing of the UK's invertebrates. This project will draw together new and existing information to provide a comprehensive snapshot of how the world's most important organisms are faring.

Background

Cardinal click beetle (Ampedus cardinalis) © Roger Key

Cardinal click beetle
(Ampedus cardinalis)
© Roger Key

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe focusing on the conservation of all invertebrates, and enjoys the support of a number of specialist invertebrate groups and societies. Buglife is able to draw on this knowledge. This, coupled with the expertise held within the organisation, makes Buglife the prefect organisation to collate all the information on the UKs invertebrate fauna and their conservation requirements.

Objective

This project sets out to provide definitive information that everyone will be able to use about invertebrates in the UK and their conservation.

Assessment of need

There is currently no central, easily accessible database about invertebrates in the UK and their conservation.

Aims

Glomeris marginata © Roger Key

Pill millipede (Glomeris marginata)
© Roger Key

To recruit a researcher/editor to compile information and co-ordinate the work of experts to produce a consensus document on the State of the UKs invertebrate Fauna. A database will be developed that defines the current problems for invertebrates in the UK and what action is required. The approach will be issued based with a series of separate analysis of problems and solutions.

Benefits of the Study

  • Increased awareness of invertebrates and environmental issues.
  • Vastly improved availability of information on invertebrates.
  • Increased collaboration between specialist invertebrate organisations and individual experts.
  • A clear direction that will help define future funding priorities for invertebrates.
  • A colourful, concentrated document containing a brief summary of all the key conservation issues with the required actions, coupled with published data on Buglife website.