International

 

Eight invertebrate species listed in the Bern Appendices occur in the UK, one of which Helix pomatia is an ancient introduction and has, until now, had no specific conservation action targeted at it. Recent concerns about commercial collecting for human consumption have led to the proposal that H. pomatia be partially protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

 

· Austropotamobius pallipes (freshwater crayfish)
· Margaritifera margaritifera (freshwater pearl mussel)
· Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech)
· Coenagrion mercuriale (Southern damselfly)
· Eurodryas aurinia (marsh fritillary)
· Lycaena dispar (large copper)
· Lucanus cervus (stag beetle)

 

Each of these species has a Species Action Plan drawn up under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1995). Targeted survey work has been used to determine more acurately the distribution and viability of populations of these species in the UK. Ecological research to aid conservation has also been undertaken for six of the seven species; the exception being Hirudo medicinalis.

 

The Invertebrates Group of Experts meets approximately every two years to discuss implementation of the Convention. The last meeting was held in Cardiff in September 2003, a report of the meeting will be available from the Bern website and the UK report is available here.

 

The Habitats Directive requires the establishment of a series of high quality Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) across Europe that will make a significant contribution to conserving the 169 habitat types and 623 species identified in Annexes I and II of the Directive. A total of 77 Annex I habitats occur in the UK, of which 22 are priority types. 51 Annex II species have been recorded in the UK in recent times, only one of which is a priority.

 

Eleven invertebrate species are listed under the directive:

 

· Austropotamobius pallipes (freshwater crayfish)
· Coenagrion mercuriale (Southern damselfly)
· Eurodryas aurinia (marsh fritillary)
· Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech)
· Limoniscus violaceus (violet click beetle)
· Lucanus cervus (stag beetle)
· Margaritifera margaritifera (freshwater pearl mussel)
· Vertigo angustior (narrow-mouthed whorl snail)
· Vertigo genesii (round-mouthed whorl snail)
· Vertigo geyeri (Geyer's whorl snail)
· Vertigo moulinsiana (Desmoulin`s whorl snail)

 

To find out more about the selection of SACs sites for these species

 

The Convention on Biodiversity is implemented in the UK through the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Habitat and species action plans outline the work being done.