Saproxylic invertebrates are those species which are dependent on dead or decaying wood or associated fungi and microorganisms for at least part of their lifecycle.
They include some of the most endangered species due to a reduction in available suitable habitat which leads to fragmentation and increasing isolation of populations. This may occur through intensive land-use such as agriculture and forestry, firewood collection and management practices that reduce deadwood for safety reasons or aesthetic tidiness. There has, however, been a recent increase in interest in this threatened group and there is now an urgent need for conservation effort.
A new special interest group was proposed by Keith Alexander at the 2015 BENHS AGM.
The embryonic aims of the group are:
- To bring saproxylic enthusiasts together;
- To arrange field meetings, to share knowledge of techniques, etc, for finding particular species, and to help to keep site records up-to-date;
- To develop and expand systems for site conservation assessment;
- To raise awareness of saproxylic conservation issues.
If you would like to join this group, please email Ceri Watkins.
Useful links:
Shotover Wildlife: http://www.shotover-wildlife.org.uk/index.htm
The Ancient Tree Forum: http://www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk/