» Habitat reduction and fragmentation
The target species of the project are strongly dependent on good habitat quality – in particular the existence of good coverage of native ferns and bryophytes in native forests and shrubs. Unfortunately, these habitats are threatened, largely due to their reduction and fragmentation caused by land cover changes, where native forests give way to pastures and forests of Cryptomeria and Eucalyptus.
» Loss of habitat quality due to Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
Currently, the rapid advance and expansion of invasive species is the major threat to the populations of endemic beetles of the project. Plants such as Ginger Lily (Hedychium gardnerianum) and Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) cause changes in the structure of the habitat, including the soil cover by ferns and bryophytes, and allow the dispersion of other plants, also with potential for invasion.
» Loss of adequate micro-climatic conditions by climate change
Climate change is a present threat to any habitat, and consequently to the endemic beetle species that inhabit it. As these species are so dependent on the native hyper humid forest, the increase in drought periods is a worrying reality on medium and long term.
