Why BEETLE populations are plummeting in the Mediterranean

One-third of Mediterranean saproxylic beetles is at risk of extinction as forests decline. Despite the prominence of the group from an ecological perspective, saproxylic beetles remain vastly unknown in the Mediterranean region. Since 2006, the conservation status of Mediterranean biodiversity has has been assessed, covering more than 6,000 species from the marine and terrestrial environments.
The Status and Distribution of Mediterranean Saproxylic Beetles recently released by the IUCN is the latest addition to the growing database of species assessed in the region. This report presents a review of the conservation status of 320 saproxylic beetle species inhabiting the area. Most of these species (195 species, 61%) are endemic, or only found within the borders of the Mediterranean region. Most of these species (195 species, 61%) are endemic, or only found within the borders of the Mediterranean region...