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European Stag Beetle

Study of the distribution and population status of Europe's largest beetle 

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In January 2023, Palombar joined the Network of Ambassadors of the European Stag Beetle project, whose main objective is to compile and organise information sent by citizens on the distribution and status of populations of the largest beetle in Europe: the European Stag Beetle. 

9 January, 2023

European Stag Beetle

European Stag Beetle
Palombar - Nature and Rural Heitage Conservation joined, in January 2023, the Network of Ambassadors of the European Stag Beetle project, whose main goal is to compile and organize information sent by citizens about the distribution and status of the populations of the largest beetle in Europe: the European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), a protected species, as well as the other beetles of the Lucanidae family in Portugal.

The ultimate purpose is to contribute to the European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network, which assesses the conservation status of this species in its distribution range in Europe.

This citizen science project is coordinated by the Bioliving Association, in partnership with the Wildlife Unit of the Biology Department of the University of Aveiro (UVS-dbio-UA), the Portuguese Entomology Society (SPE) and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF). It has a Network of Ambassadors who act as a link between the project and local communities.

As an ambassador, Palombar will contribute to the three pillars of this project, which are:
  • 'Citizen science and community engagement', which fosters the monitoring of beetles of the Lucanidae family, in particular the European Stag Beetle, by recording observations;
  • 'Conservation and preservation of habitats', which aims to protect and restore the habitats of these species, in this context, Palombar will also join the Network of Deadwood Spaces;
  • 'Education and Awareness', which mainly aims to inform the community about the importance of deadwood and the species associated with it.
The European Stag Beetle is the largest beetle in Europe and belongs to the Lucanidae family. In addition, we have three other species of this family in Portugal: the Lucanus (Pseudolucanus) barbarossa, Dorcus parallelipedus and Platycerus spinifer. The European Stag Beetle is a protected species. It is listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, in Annex III of the Bern Convention and is classified as 'Near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Portugal, it is distributed in the north and centre. 

Promoter Associação Bioliving
Coordination Associação Bioliving, UVS-dbio-UA, SPE e ICNF
Ambassador Palombar
Territory Portugal
Site vacaloura.pt

Photo credits
Male European Stag Beetle (banner) Bruno Araújo
Dispute between males European Stag Beetle João Ferreira