Beetles Life - One small step for a man, one giant leap for the charismatic flagship species

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Forests are key sources of ecosystem services - that is, the benefits obtained from ecosystems - such as soil and erosion protection, biomass production, water and carbon cycle regulation. Several insect species (saproxylic and pyrophilous) whose primary habitats are boreal forests and bog woodlands have unfavourable-inadequate conservation status in Finland. Saproxylic insect species feed or are otherwise reliant on dead and decaying wood at some point in their life cycle. Pyrophilous ('fire-loving') insects respond to smoke and heat generated by forest fires.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of Beetles Life is to improve the conservation status of saproxylic and pyrophilous insect species inhabiting boreal forests and bog woodlands in Finland. The species targeted are: Pytho kolwensis, Boros schneideri, Phryganophilus ruficollis, Stephanopachys linearis, Stephanopachys substriatus, Xyletinus tremulicola, Cucujus cinnaberinus and Aradus angularis. The project will restore existing forest habitats as well as potential habitats, encouraging the development of natural features. This will involve controlled burning, simulations of storm damage or other controlled damage to increase the amount of decaying wood. Bog woodlands will be restored by blocking ditches and removing trees to increase their water retention.

Beetles Life also aims to minimise the negative effect of fragmentation of the target species' primary habitats. Raising awareness about the insects is another important goal. Long term, the best conservation measures will be promoted as part of detailed action plans for the species in question, to transfer the best working practices to key stakeholders.

The project will support the implementation of the Habitats Directive through its work to improve the conservation status of the species targeted, with active management of the insects' habitats and their connectivity.

Expected results: Beetles Life will improve the conservation status of the insect species in question and minimise the negative effect of habitat fragmentation through the following:

Establishment of a 40 ha permanent privately owned nature conservation area to improve C. cinnaberinus' habitat;

Restoration of almost 300 ha of bog woodland by filling in ditches suitable for target species at five sites;

Burning restored/controlled at 16 sites (totalling close to 350 ha) to increase charred wood for five target species;

Production of dead wood for P. kolwensis by excavators at twosites (about 100 ha);

Promotion of aspen for C. cinnaberinus and X. tremulicola by making canopy gaps and fencing at six sites (over 160 ha);

Removal of trees at four sites to restore bog woodland, controlled burning and promotion of aspen (25 ha);

Training for the forestry sector on beneficial actions for the target species within and outside protected areas;

Awareness-raising actions on the importance of the insect species, including: design challenge for students, ArtScience weeks with Aalto Arts, cooperation with five schools in Espoo, photo competition for professionals and the public, events for families and young people, media events, and social media campaigns.