In June and July, we are featuring two species of rare and protected longhorn beetles - Tragosoma depsarium and the Sawyer (Prionus coriarius L.).
Latvian Society of Entomology chose to nominate Tragosoma depsarium as the species of the year and rightfully so. Tragosoma depsarium is one of the indicator species of forests important for natural diversity, as it is found in old, sunny pine forests, where suitable dead wood can be found. The Tragosoma depsarium beetle is a large, massive beetle whose body length can exceed three centimetres. At the front of the body, the beetle has one well-defined and outwardly protruding spine on each side. The beetle is dark brown, with yellowish to reddish-brown hairs on the head and prothorax, while the upper surface of the elytra is less prominent. It can be found in old, sunny pine forests where old, medium- to large-sized pine stands are found. If there are no such suitable forests, the beetle can sometimes also be found in clearings and new growths, where some suitable burrows have been preserved. On warm summer nights, you may get lucky and see the rare beetles flying and crawling along the slopes.
This species does not live on living, growing trees, nor is it interested in fresh, wind-blown or broken trees. It needs dead trees that have been lying on the ground in the forest for at least several years, losing their bark over time and acquiring their characteristic greyish hue, as well as burnt and dead trees. The beetles first look for large, well-lit and warmed by the sun. Larvae live inside the crypt for 3-4 years until they incarnate there.
Other longhorn beetle species living in Latvia may be similar to the Tragosoma depsarium, including more common beetles. As the species of the month for July, we have decided to feature one of them – the Sawyer (Prionus Coriarius L.). This beetle is also massive and can reach a length of more than three centimetres, and members of this species also have saw-shaped tentacles on their heads.
Larvae of the Sawyer live in rotten hardwood and softwood. The female lays her eggs on the trunks of dead trees, while the hatched larvae bore into the wood and enter the roots, which are the larvae's main food source. If the food resources in one root are depleted, the larvae are able to move through the soil to reach the roots of nearby trees. After 3-5 years, the larvae form a cocoon, which is the size of a chicken egg! Adult beetles can be found in forests from July to September. Although this species is also very rare in Latvia, it is possible that you will be able to meet it in the afternoon or around dusk near the falls.
Thanks to Kristaps Vilks and Dmitrijs Telnovs for information and help in developing the material.
Author of species distribution maps: Jānis Ukass
The main venue of the International bryology seminar 2022 will be in Daugavpils University Study and Research Center “Ilgas”. Center is located in Skrudaliena parish located in the nature park “Silene”. It is a modern complex of training and scientific laboratories, where researchers, students and guests can conduct research using the most modern equipment and collection rooms. The seminar field trips are planned in each day in different regions and habitats of Eastern Latvia.
The International bryology seminar 2022 will start with introduction of Ilgas Study and Research center and bryophytes in surroundings. Here we will see highly abundant logs with Nowellia curvifolia. In a vicinity outside of the forest we will visit transient mire with Drepanocladus lycopodioides. Next day we will visit Naujenes grava with Anomodon sp. and transient mire with Mesoptychia rutheana, Paludella squarrosa and Straminergon stramineum. On the fourth day we will go to Teiči Strict Nature Reserve (https://www.daba.gov.lv/en/teici-strict-nature-reserve), where we will be introduced to different Sphagnum species in bogs. On fourth day we will go to Lubāna mitrājs Nature Reserve (http://www.lubanamitrajs.lv/home/), where in forest habitats can be found Trichocolea tomentella and Crossocalyx hellerianus. Our last seminar field trip will be in Pilskalnes Siguldiņa Nature Reserve, where Dicranum viride are distributed in slope forests.
The seminar is funded by the LIFE project LIFE FOR SPECIES “Threatened species in Latvia: improved knowledge, capacity, data and awareness” Project No.: LIFE19GIE/LV/000857
More information: https://du.lv/en/news/international-bryology-seminar-2022/
Dr. Anna Mežaka, email: anna.mezaka@du.lv (Latvia)
PhD Steffen Caspari, email: steffen.caspari@t-online.de (Germany)
The XXVI International Congress of Entomology was held in Helsinki (Finland) from July 17 to 22, 2022. The congress was very ambitious - 168 symposia were held within it, while around 2,500 participants from all continents of the world registered to attend it.
A special LIFE program project symposium "LIFE program: Funding direct action to protect Europe's threatened insects" was also organized within the congress, the purpose of which was to introduce the congress participants to the LIFE program and the wide range of opportunities that it offers for the research and protection of invertebrates.
Dmitrijs Teļnovs, a species expert from the Latvian University and head of the invertebrate species group, also participated in the congress symposium with an verbal report and a poster report "Contribution by the 'LIFE FOR SPECIES' project to the protection of endangered entomofauna in Latvia”. Congress participants were introduced to the purpose, tasks, activities and main planned results of the project in relation to rare, endangered and protected species in Latvia.
Co-authors of the report: G. Čekstere (LU), J. Dzenis (DAP).
More information about the congress and symposium is available here:
Photo credits: Dmitrijs Teļnovs, Panos Fetsis, Rūta Rozenfelde
On behalf of the Organising Committee, we invite you to participate in the 11th International Conference on Biodiversity Research (ICBR) to be held in the Daugavpils University, Latvia, on 20 – 22nd October, 2022.
The ICBR is a well-established international meeting (previously called International Conference "Research and conservation of biological diversity in Baltic Region") for scientific exchange of knowledge and ideas bringing together conservation biologists, population biologists and researchers of related fields. The meeting is known for its friendly atmosphere which gives inspiration for new investigations and promotes collaboration between scientists.
At the beginning of June, the project team visited several LIFE projects in Slovenia to learn about the protection of the species, as well as to share the experience and vision of the LIFE FOR SPECIES project in the field of species protection.
At the beginning of June, the LIFE FOR SPECIES team went on an exchange trip to Slovenia. A good introduction to the trip was a visit to the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and looks back on the museum's work through the ages. A comprehensive story on the protection of the species was given by the zoologist, Dr. Boris Kryštufek. It was revealed that historically an important source of food in Slovenia in autumn and winter was the fat dormouse (Glis glis), which is a rare and specially protected mammal species in Latvia. Dormouse meat can still be bought in the autumn in Slovenia.
During the visit to the LIFE NarcIS project, we got acquainted with the process of establishing the Slovenian species protection system and how the species catalog and the Red Book are being created. At the same time, we shared our experience about the natural data management system OZOLS, project goals, objectives and communication.
During the day we joined an international seminar co-organized by two LIFE projects - LIFE Lynx and LIFE WolfAlps EU, where we studied the large carnivore exposure in Mashun, as well as participated in research demonstrations to monitor lynx activities - towing and searching for lynx prey. At the end of the day we got to know Lake Cerknica, where the restoration of the hydrological regime has been carried out, observation towers have been installed, as well as safe waste containers for bears. At the foot of the lake observation tower, the lesser Butterfly-orchid bloomed brightly, but even four black storks could be seen above the lake, which is also a rare species in Slovenia.
The trip ended in one of the most beautiful natural gems of Slovenia - Triglav National Park, learning about the current protection of peat bogs, as well as the protection of the species in the LIFE project Peatbogs in Triglav National Park, Pokljuka plateau. The tourism cognitive infrastructure created by the project is now being restored by the national project VrH Julijcev, which is working to improve the conservation status of various species (e.g. three - toe woodpecker, capercaillie, hazel grouse) in Triglav National Park. Conservation measures include, for example, the establishment of quiet areas in the most important areas of the park, marking them accordingly, as well as limiting the park's tourist load and closing roads to private transport as an alternative to offering public transport services.
April and May are the months of Pasqueflower bloom. In Latvia, spreading and meadow Pasqueflower can be found - both are very beautiful and decorative species, but endangered and specially protected.
In the spring, when the brown color still dominates in nature, in April or early May in the dry and sunny pine forests blooms spreading Pasqueflower Pulsatilla patens. It is more common in the eastern part of Latvia. The plant is softly hairy throughout and stands out with very decorative, bright purple flowers. Spreading Pasqueflowers bloom first and only later do the leaves appear.
Spreading and meadow Pasqueflowers are threatened by flower picking, as well as the habitat loss by overgrowth of light, sparse forests with bushes and the development of a thick layer of moss.
Representatives of the project LIFE FOR SPECIES Daugavpils University participated in Daugavpils Environment Day on May 5, as well as the awarding of the youth competition "Nature in my city" took place.
Representatives of the LIFE FOR SPECIES project from Daugavpils University participated in the Environment Day and activities dedicated to the opening of the Europe Direct South Latgale Center on May 5 by organizing an educational environmental workshop "Living Creatures of Dubrovina Park". Visitors to the workshop were introduced to the species of lichens and invertebrates found in the park.
Daugavpils cultural and educational institutions participated in the events dedicated to the Environment Day. Throughout the day, more than 1,500 students from 18 educational institutions in Daugavpils were offered various educational activities related to the environment and the European Green Deal.
Within the framework of the Environment Day, the conclusion of the youth competition "Nature in my city" organized by LIFE FOR SPECIES project took place, in which four youth teams from different Daugavpils schools presented their work. In the category "Environment" was presented one work "Daugavpils Traffic public transport ticket collection solution with further processing ", while in the category" Biodiversity" four works were received, of which three were presented and awarded:" Preservation of Biodiversity in the Recreation Area of Daugavpils City ", "Protection of the brown lon-eared bat population in the territory of Daugavpils" and "Bird habitat".
All participants of the competition, as well as work consultants - teachers - received valuable prizes: the books "Big Latvian Mushroom Book" and "Bird guide" published by SIA "Jāņa sēta".
We are happy for active young people who are interested in nature protection and for meeting in nature!
Category 'BIODIVERSITY
Idea: “Preservation of biological diversity in the recreation area of Daugavpils city”
Daugavpils 3rd Secondary School, 11th grade, Evita Teivāne, Kristīne Šervašidze
Consultants: Olga Kovaļova, teacher of natural sciences and geography, Sergejs Zabarovskis, teacher of biology
Idea: "Brown lon-eared bat"
Daugavpils Center Secondary School, 10th grade, Simona Hana Rasnače
Consultants - Tatjana Baranovska
Idea: “Protection of the brown elephant population in the territory of Daugavpils”
Daugavpils Center Secondary School, Anna Sedača, Viāna Bebriša, Romāns Streļčuks, Kirils Protņikovs
Consultant - teacher Tatjana Baranovska
Idea: "Birds' habitat"
Daugavpils 13th Secondary School, 10/11 class, Yevgeny Timofeyev, Yegor Ivanov
Consultants: biology teacher Jūlija Kanto
ENVIRONMENT category
Idea: Daugavpils Traffic public transport ticket collection solution with further processing
Daugavpils Secondary School of Technology lyceum, 11th grade students Olga Ļubarska and Katerīna Novaka
Consultant: biology teacher Inguna Kostenko
The Project “Threatened species in Latvia: improved knowledge, capacity, data and awareness” LIFE19 GIE/LV/000857 LIFE FOR SPECIES is implemented with the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union and Latvian State Regional Development Agency. This publication reflects only authors’ view. Neither CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) nor European Commission are responsible of any use that may be made, or the information contained therein.
With the onset of spring and warmer weather, in the evenings one of the most common bat species in Latvia - brown long-eared bat could be observed.
The brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus is a small (up to 5 cm long) flying mammal with gray-brown hair. It can be safely distinguished from other bats by its large and long ears. In flight, long ears are used for echolocation, but when not flying, the ears bend. Brown long-eared bats are wintering in various cellars, including caves. During hibernation, the bat hides its large ears under its wings.
In summer, brown long-eared bats' females form colonies in safe hiding places - attics, wall crevices, cavities, bird cages and elsewhere. Males also stay in similar places during the day. In Latvia, brown long-eared bats are widespread throughout the territory and are very common.
Brown long-eared bats feed at night, catching various invertebrates from leaves and branches - insects and their larvae, spiders.
Brown long-eared bats, like other bats found in Latvia and Europe, are especially protected. Bats are threatened by a variety of factors, such as the loss of habitats and food , changes in the landscape, such as intensification of agricultural lands, deforestation and winter disturbance.
The LIFE FOR SPECIES project is developing the criteria for inclusion and exclusion of species from the list of protected species, as well as the division of categories of protected species - according to the necessary protection measures and the damage caused in case of destruction of individuals. Based on the developed criteria, proposals for changes in legislation will be prepared.
The project species experts have compiled the first version of the criteria for inclusion of species in the list of specially protected species and the division into categories of protected species. It was presented to the general public at an online seminar on December 3, 2021.
The material is available HERE (in latvian).
The document explains the overview of the project activities and planned deliverables, as well as an insight into the criteria developed in the project for the selection and inclusion of taxa in the list of protected species and categories of specially protected species, based on several examples.
Everyone is invited to submit comments or suggestions on the current version of the criteria by 30 April 2022 by completing this QUESTIONNAIRE.
One of the goals of the LIFE FOR SPECIES project is to update the list of protected and endangered species based on scientifically based criteria, as well as to prepare proposals for changes in legislation. The current laws and regulations governing the protection of species have not been updated for more than 10 years. During this time, new scientific information on the occurrence of species and threatening factors has accumulated, as well as changes in the Latvian economy.
The Project “Threatened species in Latvia: improved knowledge, capacity, data and awareness” LIFE19 GIE/LV/000857 LIFE FOR SPECIES is implemented with the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union and Latvian State Regional Development Agency. This publication reflects only authors’ view. Neither CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) nor European Commission are responsible of any use that may be made, or the information contained therein.
In March and April, a series of online lectures "Protected and Endangered Species in Latvia" will take place on the project's Facebook page. Lectures will be led by project species experts.
In order to encourage the general public to go to nature, see and get to know Latvia's rare, protected and endangered species, online lectures "Protected and Endangered Species in Latvia" will be organized on the LIFE FOR SPECIES Facebook page, led by project experts. Lectures will take place on weekday evenings and weekends so that as many audiences as possible have the opportunity to listen to the lectures. Lectures are planned for 1 hour, and after then it will be possible to ask questions to an expert.
In this series of lectures we will introduce six groups of species:
March 19 at 11:00 - INSECTS
The lecture will be led by entomologist Kristaps Vilks. Let's get to know the insects of the Latvian Red Book that live in the forest - where to look for them and how to see them?
March 23 at 17:30 - FUNGI
The lecture will be led by Diāna Meiere and Inita Dāniele, Latvia's best-known fungi specialists and project mushroom experts.
March 29 at 17:30 - AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
The lecture will be led by amphibian and reptile specialist, project expert Andris Čeirāns.
April 5 at 17:30 - BIRDS
The lecture will be led by Viesturs Ķerus, an ornithologist, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Ornithological Society, and an expert in the project's bird species group.
April 8 at 17:30 - MOSSES AND LIVERVORTS
The lecture will be led by project moss expert Līga Strazdiņa
April 13 at 5:30 pm - PLANTS
The lecture will be given in cooperation with the Latvian Botanical Society, and will be led by botanists Pēteris Evarts - Bunders and Maija Medne.
Everyone who plans to participate in the project's photo competition "Green Treasures" is especially invited to the lectures, where it is still possible to send photos with the list of protected species and the species included in the Latvian Red Data Book by 31 August. Read more about the photo contest HERE.
See you in lectures!
The Project “Threatened species in Latvia: improved knowledge, capacity, data and awareness” LIFE19 GIE/LV/000857 LIFE FOR SPECIES is implemented with the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union and Latvian State Regional Development Agency. This publication reflects only authors’ view. Neither CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) nor European Commission are responsible of any use that may be made, or the information contained therein.