MIPP - Monitoring of insects with public participation
LIFE11 NAT/IT/000252
Object
Osmoderma eremita, rare beetle protected by the Habitats Directive.
Objective
Monitor the conservation status of Osmoderma eremita through the use of molecular dogs.
Good Practice Description
The Habitats Directive provides for the protection of the Osmoderma eremita beetle. However, due to its particular biology, it is difficult to identify this species to monitor its conservation status.
The MIPP project has developed a research method of Osmoderma eremita larvae based on the use of molecular dogs. The research dog, with the right training, can in fact be used for specific targets in different environments, such as to sniff the larvae of this beetle inside hollow trees.
Territorial Context
Bosco Fontana Nature Reserve in the province of Mantua. It is one of the last relics of the lowland forest of the Po Valley, located at an altitude of 25 m asl, and is a site included in the list of European forests of importance for saproxilic faunas.
Replicability conditions
The good practice is easily replicated through the training of the dog by expert trainers. It has already been taken into consideration in other European experiences in Austria, Poland and Lithuania.
Dissemination material
From the GoProFor database, in the final part of the good practice file, it is possible to download useful material for the recognition and reporting of insects and in particular the "Guidelines for monitoring protected saproxylic beetles in Europe" and the "Layman's report " of the project.
Presentation of the Nature Reserve of Bosco Fontana
This good practice was carried in part out in Bosco Fontana (MN)
A video explains what it is and who manages this important reality for the conservation of Italian forests.