Carabus transsylvanicus

The entomofauna of Gorgany range is of great interest and includes different ecological groups of species. Insects are one of the main groups among animals of forest ecosystems because their diversity and play dominant role in keeping ecosystem balance. Carpathian forests are influenced by anthropogenic pressure (as tourism, logging). Many species of ground insects are vulnerable because their occurrence is endangered. Ground insects poorly studied group, especially in the Gorgany range and it highly depends on dead wood, old-growth forest.

Our study allows to extend knowledge about local fauna, attracts attention to the problem of conservation biodiversity in the Carpathian Mountains and reveal our actions for governmental and regional administration via adopting Action Plan.

The project aims to develop species conservation action plan via assessment of diversity, ecology and threats of the ground insects and it will cover part of Ukrainian Carpathians and will serve as a base for continuing and developing activities and measures for conserving rare ground insects which secure long - term survival of those species.

The species specific project objectives include:

1- assessment habitats, diversity, distribution range and threats of ground insects in the project area;

2- development measures designed to prepare specific species conservation action plan for adopting by the Ministry of Environment and sharing with all groups of key stakeholders;

3- increasing public awareness for the conservation of rare insects through the creating awareness campaign in the Gorgany region.