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10 Feb 2004 - 31 Dec 2004 Stag Beetles are an Endangered Species - Richmond Park is Seeking Volunteers. Richmond Park The Royal Parks are seeking volunteers to work in the Richmond Park National Nature Reserve, which has international recognition (candidate for Special Area of Conservation or cSAC) for its Stag Beetles. The volunteers will help to assess key features of successful breeding sites for Stag Beetles. The job will include counting the beetles emerging & flying and those predated to monitor our stag beetle population. There are two other sites in London awarded cSAC recognition; these are Wimbledon Common and Epping Forest. Staff from Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common are working with researchers from Royal Holloway University of London, some of whom have for the last three years been making an in depth study of the various stages of the Stag Beetle's lifecycle. In 1998, Richmond Park was the site selected for the launch of a major monitoring, research and development initiative by the People's Trust for Endangered Species. The Royal Parks is proud to report that over the last five years, significant information has been gathered to educate the public about declining number of Stag Beetles throughout the UK. Taking urgent measures to conserve species, such as Stag Beetles, is important for the future of biodiversity within the Parks. The beetles and other creatures face new threats from the recent changes in our weather patterns. The long dry summer has seen unprecedented excavations and predation around known beetles nesting areas. There are also concerns that warm weather early in the New Year, may bring increased birds and other predation. The Stag Beetle is globally threatened and has recently disappeared completely from several eastern European countries. However, with more help from volunteers throughout the Richmond Park area, there is hope to protect future generations of these species in the British Isles. These harmless, yet powerful creatures can have a very long life-cycle, sometimes up to seven years. Male Stag Beetles have large stag-like 'antlers' which are used between rivals to turn their opponents on to their back. The males can grow up to 70mm in length, which makes them Britain's largest terrestrial beetle. Stag Beetles are not just important in their own right, they serve as a 'flagship species' for a whole range of animals, plants and fungi that are dependent on dead or dying wood. Ancient trees provide habitats for a huge array of other organisms; special features of these standing trees make them exceptionally species-rich and the earth around them contains various other ecosystems. Many of these species help transform dead wood into healthy soil and rich nutrients for new growth. The impact on Richmond Park of the nationally declining numbers of Stag Beetles has yet to be studied. We need to understand the implication of this and other changes such as in global temperature patterns on the beetles, for our trees and other wildlife. If you would like to know more or would like to volunteer to work in Richmond Park National Nature Reserve, please contact The Stag Beetle Project at Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, TW10 5HS by post or by Phone on 020 8948 3209 or by email to richmond@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk. Ask about our Saturday Beetle Walks or check the websites at http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond_park/events.cfm - ENDS - Source: The Royal Parks The Royal Parks Press Office, T: 0300 061 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Editor's notes: Richmond Park is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, a candidate European Special Area of Conservation and a Grade 1 Listed landscape. Species records for the Park include 49 grasses, rush and sedges; over 250 fungi; more than 1000 beetles; 546 butterflies and moths; 139 spiders; 144 birds; and 25 mammals. Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park. |
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