In July 2004, the Entomological Society and University of Latvia hosted the Third Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of Saproxylic Beetles.

Over thirty entomologists from all over Europe met at the University of Latvia in Riga. The conference brought together a wide range of people to provide a focus for ideas and an opportunity to share knowledge and information about the conservation of beetles that are dependent on deadwood habitat. Presentations were given by participants from France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Moldova and the UK, each of whom considered the techniques used to survey, monitor and conserve deadwood species in their own countries.

Field visits were made to a wide variety of habitats at a number of locations across central and northwest Latvia, which gave the group opportunities to explore and search for beetles. Sites visited were: north-west Latvia – old mixed forest, the Baltic coast, Kolka Cape and coastal pine forest, and Gaujas National Park; central Latvia – river valley forest, Amata ancient river valley, and an old stag beetle Lucanus cervus locality in Ieriki. There was also a very enjoyable visit to Riga Zoo Insectarium (the best living insect exhibition in Europe 2002-2003), where a wide range of beetles and other insects were on display in a very modern, excellently designed insect house. Of particular interest here was the IUCN protected species of saproxylo-mycetophagous (deadwood fungus-feeding) darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) from the Seychelles. Behind the scenes the party was privileged to examine breeding boxes and tanks, which housed an array of saproxylics, including a number of endangered beetles.

Presentations, workshops and field visits were all extremely valuable, especially for the opportunities they gave to exchange experiences with fellow entomologists. It is hoped that the symposium also helped those participating to form alliances and promote a continuous flow of ideas between them to conserve these vulnerable yet ecologically important beetles.

Sincere thanks go to Dmitry Telnov, Chairman of the Latvia Entomology Society, and his committee for organising the symposium, to our hosts at the University of Latvia for providing the facilities, and to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species for sponsoring the speaker from Suffolk.

Colin Hawes, 3 Silver Leys, Bentley, Ipswich

© 2004   Suffolk Naturalists' Society

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