Celebrating 50 Years of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species IUCN Red List status of European bees Ana Nieto European Biodiversity Conservation Officer IUCN The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
WHAT IS THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES? The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2
3 The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species and their links to livelihoods
The IUCN Red List is the starting point for conservation action 4
What is the IUCN Red List? More than just names and threat categories Includes information on threats (e.g. invasive species), ecological requirements, and conservation actions Based on the best scientific information available Species assessments are generated through the knowledge of thousands of the world s leading scientists through a peer review process. Widely used to inform and influence biodiversity conservation The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List assessment The assessment is an estimate of extinction risk What is the likelihood of a species becoming extinct in the near future, given current knowledge about population trends, range, and recent, current or projected threats? It is not a list of species that are priorities for conservation action Illustration copyright Bob Diven 6
IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria Criteria Categories Thresholds 7
HOW CAN IUCN RED LIST DATA BE USED? The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 8
Applications of the IUCN Red List Inform policy decisions on biodiversity conservation and the protection of Europe s natural resources Support priority setting for conservation actions and research Measure progress towards achieving the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy and the Strategic Plan of the CBD Dioxys cincta (LC). D. Genoud 9
Applications of the IUCN Red List Gives input on development of indicators (e.g. Red List Index) Hoplitis cristatula (LC). D. Genoud Guides the allocation of financial resources for conservation (e.g. Life+ funds) Guides scientific research Assists in regional conservation planning (e.g. identification of Key Biodiversity Areas, protected areas) Strengthens regional expert networks 10
THE EUROPEAN RED LIST The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 11
European Red List A review of the conservation status of species in Europe, identifying species threatened with extinction at European level Epeolus cruciger (NT). C. Deschepper Financed by the EC (DG ENV) Started in 2006 (mammals) By now ~ 10,000 species have been assessed 12
European Red List of Bees Assessment of all European bees (1965 species) 3 year project (2011-2014) Funded by EC DG Environment Collaboration with STEP project (FP7) Compiled by more than 45 European bee experts Sphecodes niger (LC). E. Phillips 13
IUCN Red List status of bees in Europe 9.2% of wild bees threatened (CR, EN, VU) 25.8% of bumblebees threatened 14 Coelioxys argentea (LC). H.Wallays
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Species richness of European bees High diversity in the Mediterranean region Lower diversity in north-eastern Europe 16
Endemic species richness 20% endemic High endemism in southern Europe Low endemism in north-eastern Europe 17
Distribution of known threatened European bees High concentration in central, eastern and south-eastern Europe 18
Distribution of Data Deficient bee species High concentration in southern and eastern Europe 19
Population trends of European bees 20
Major threats to bees in Europe 21
Recommendations Andrena magna (EN). A.V. Fateryga Europe is in a unique position to use the Red List to help conserve wild bees. A concerted effort is required to ensure that policies and management practices are truly effective in protecting the most threatened bees. An essential first step is to ensure that wild bees are specifically considered in current instruments such as the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, agrienvironment schemes within the Common Agricultural Policy, and green infrastructure planning. 22
Recommendations It is paramount to develop national and European survey programmes so that the status of bees can be monitored through time, so that those species and areas most needing interventions can be identified. Europe needs to support a community of bee taxonomists and researchers who can provide high quality advice and evidence to make sure that these initiatives can be as effective as possible in safeguarding Europe s bee biodiversity. 23
Publication 24
Web portal European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/redlist/index_en.htm Results, Analysis, Background info 25
IUCN Red List website http://www.iucnredlist.org/initiatives/europe Species accounts 26
Thank you http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/redlist/index_en.htm http://www.iucnredlist.org/initiatives/europe 27