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ATLANTIC TERRITORIES INVERTEBRATES

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Supporting Atlantic Territories Invertebrate Conservation

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The Species Recovery Trust is proud to support efforts to protect endemic invertebrate biodiversity across the UK’s Overseas Territories. This initiative, which is in partnership with Buglife, focuses on identifying key habitats for endemic and native species in Bermuda, the Falkland Islands, Anguilla, and Ascension. By gathering crucial ecological data, conservationists can pinpoint Important Invertebrate Areas, red listing endemic species and define recovery actions for them, as well as address threats posed by invasive species.

 

Through collaboration with local experts, this project enhances knowledge of invertebrate species and their roles within fragile ecosystems. The work aims to empower conservation partners to conduct research, inform policy, and safeguard these vital creatures for future generations. Partners include Buglife the lead organisation, and the following local organisations: 

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  • Anguilla National Trust & Government of Anguilla

  • Ascension Island Government Conservation & Fisheries Directorate

  • Bermuda National Trust & Government of Bermuda

  • Falkland Conservation & Falkland Islands Government​​

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Threats to south Atlantic endemic invertebrates

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There are many threats to these unique invertebrates, such as invasive species, which  can disrupt ecosystems, outcompeting or preying on endemic species. Other threats include habitat loss/degradation through urban development, pollution, human activities such as tourism; and also climate change, which can contribute to the degradation of key habitats. Environmental changes, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events impact fragile island ecosystems.

Another key issues is limited research as many invertebrate species remain understudied, making conservation planning difficult.

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Endemic cricket from the Falkland Islands Parudenus falklandicus - A Wilson

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Our work Species Recovery Trust plays a key role in the project providing technical expertise and training to enable recovery efforts, ensuring that conservation actions are informed by scientific research. Species Recovery Trust will also support red listing of the endemics, identifying key species and actions for future recovery efforts.

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Endemic invertebrate species to benefit from this project include the Giant Pseudoscorpion Garypus titanius, Jacqui’s Pseudoscorpion Garypus ellickae, Ascension Sac Spider Hibana ascensionensis and Falkland's Camel Cricket Parudenus falklandicus.

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An exciting aspect of this project, is the potential that species entirely new to science might be discovered!

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Endemic spider from Bermuda Anyphaena bermudensis - Clare Russell

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