5 replies to this topic

[lucas3431]

I got an idea to make a quick post about this, as I seen someone asking about importing Ants.

 

It might be wise that this post should be a sticky. It is vital that we have this information on hand when needed, just incase someone decides to ship or keep any Ants that are listed here.

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Ants)

[AntsMaryland]

good idea.

there's a LOT... xD

[lucas3431]

good idea.

there's a LOT... xD

I'm thinking there's more, they just haven't been documented yet.

[Cameron C. Thomas]

The IUCN Red List can be a useful tool for conservationists, but I don't think it works well for this intended purpose.

 

The list itself--at least, in its present iteration--contains all species which may have, at any point, been of some conservation concern. This includes those which have been assessed and determined not to be of concern. From the IUCN:

 

"Plants, fungi and animals that have been evaluated to have a low risk of extinction are classified as Least Concern. The Least Concern assessments did not appear on IUCN Red Lists produced before 2003 (except for a few that were listed in 1996) because the main focus of attention has been on threatened species. However, for the sake of transparency and to place threatened assessments in context, all Least Concern assessments are now included on The IUCN Red List. Thus, despite its title, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ does not just focus on threatened species; it considers the status of all species across an increasing number of taxonomic groups."

 

If you consider species on the Red List in categories of concern (Vulnerable VU, Endangered EN, and Critically Endangered CR), the number of species drops down to a quarter of the total number. If you consider ants which are listed in those categories, that number is 142 species, which highlights another potential issue that can be problematic with the IUCN's list. All 142 of those species are listed as "needs updating," which means no one from the IUCN or affiliates have assessed the status of that species in some time--often on the order of decades. Some of those species may no longer be of concern, or, with more robust assessment, may not have needed to be listed at all.

 

And finally, the IUCN's list is not comprehensive. In the United States, we have the Endangered Species Act at the federal level, and various other lists in each state at the local level. Many species, subspecies, and what we identify as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) listed under the ESA aren't on the Red List. Other countries and organizations have their own lists, as well.

 

I don't mean to sound like I'm putting down the IUCN; I'm not. I've used the Red List in my work before, and it is a helpful tool. If your concern is with accidentally keeping threatened or endangered ants, I would advise checking for listed species with your local organizations. I'm not sure what organization that would be for Ireland, but in developed countries, government-level organizations typically have more up to date information and assessments for locally occurring species.

Edited by Cameron C. Thomas, August 22 2017 - 11:43 AM.

[lucas3431]

 Well then....that made this topic even more important, I'm thinking members who are on here could find information regarding their countries wildlife services and share the information about protected species of Ants, I'm willing to contact NPWS to see if they can help me out with any info about Ants in Ireland that might be protected or even illegal to import from other EU countries or even better a list of services for each country in the EU.

 

For all I know I could've woke up tomorrow and said hey I want this certain species of Ant from let's say Germany from some random novice seller/Ant keeper and not knowing it is protected....two weeks later I get a knock on the doors from the police...no thank you.

 

I have already actually ran into this type of situation before regarding a Tarantula under protection (no I didn't want to buy or import), I dare not to say the species name here because the British Tarantula Society gave me an ear full also warning me to never speak about it again, I thought it was rather unfair because I was pointing out the harm of importing protected species, I tried to find information about the species state but like I said I was given a stern   I was also nearly banned from a forum because of it. Crazy huh.

 

So I think it would be a wise start for members to know especially new keepers like myself to have information about protected species of Ants, not only that it would be a good commitment and a responsible example for formiculture.com too set. 

 

 

Thank you Cameron for your help.

Edited by lucas3431, August 22 2017 - 1:38 PM.

[gcsnelling]

 Well then....that made this topic even more important, I'm thinking members who are on here could find information regarding their countries wildlife services and share the information about protected species of Ants, I'm willing to contact NPWS to see if they can help me out with any info about Ants in Ireland that might be protected or even illegal to import from other EU countries or even better a list of services for each country in the EU.

 

For all I know I could've woke up tomorrow and said hey I want this certain species of Ant from let's say Germany from some random novice seller/Ant keeper and not knowing it is protected....two weeks later I get a knock on the doors from the police...no thank you.

 

I have already actually ran into this type of situation before regarding a Tarantula under protection (no I didn't want to buy or import), I dare not to say the species name here because the British Tarantula Society gave me an ear full also warning me to never speak about it again, I thought it was rather unfair because I was pointing out the harm of importing protected species, I tried to find information about the species state but like I said I was given a stern   I was also nearly banned from a forum because of it. Crazy huh.

 

So I think it would be a wise start for members to know especially new keepers like myself to have information about protected species of Ants, not only that it would be a good commitment and a responsible example for formiculture.com too set. 

 

 

Thank you Cameron for your help.

I would not worry about the ear full you got regarding the tarantula, there is no reason not to mention the name. The only reason for them to want to keep it quiet is if someone or more than one is moving them in a manner they should not be. If it were me the instant I got a warning of that sort I would be shouting the name from the roof tops. To the best of my knowledge though being redlisted does not preclude them from being moved, it is only ESA or cites species which would be an issue.

Edited by gcsnelling, August 23 2017 - 2:26 AM.