AGRICULTURAL NEWS - The International Union for the Conservation of Nature assessed the status of 700 European beetles that live in old and hollowed wood.
Almost a fifth (18%) are at risk of extinction due to the decline of ancient trees, the European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles report found.
This puts them among the most threatened insect groups in Europe.
Saproxylic beetles play a role in natural processes, such as decomposition and the recycling of nutrients.
They also provide an important food source for birds and mammals and some are involved in pollination.
"Some beetle species require old trees that need hundreds of years to grow, so conservation efforts need to focus on long-term strategies to protect old trees across different landscapes in Europe, to ensure that the vital ecosystem services provided by these beetles continue," said Jane Smart, director of the IUCN Global Species Programme.
Logging, tree loss and wood harvesting all contribute to the loss of habitat for the beetles, said the IUCN. Other major threats include urbanisation and tourism development, and an increase in wildfires in the Mediterranean region.
Conservation efforts need to focus on long-term strategies to protect old trees and deadwood across forests, pastureland, orchards and urban areas, the report recommended.
It said there should be inventories of ancient and veteran trees for each European country, to ensure these trees are protected in all landscapes.
"It is critical for the Common Agricultural Policy to promote the appropriate management of wood pasture habitats containing veteran trees across Europe," said Luc Bas, director of the IUCN European Regional Office.
