5 and 6 May 2026 - «SOS insects: reintroduction and conservation. What are the challenges and how can we meet them?»
Insects are present in most terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They represent the animals with the greatest diversity, abundance and biomass. Seventy-three percent (73%) of the animal species described are insects. They have diverse and crucial ecosystem functions and services. However, a number of species are at high risk of extinction, unprotected (0.12% protected at EU level), and environmental changes brought about by humans are shifting the balance of services rendered towards greater damage (health, crops, food), further accentuating a generally negative perception.
However, conservation efforts have been made locally for decades to counter this general trend. While reintroductions (or similar actions) have long been operations focused mainly on mammals and birds, they could be more closely accompanied by habitat conservation actions in the case of insects.
Based on the Crau locust conservation strategy (Prionotropis rhodanica), an endemic species, initiated 10 years ago and now at the end of the LIFE SOS Crau Locust project, the aim is to share knowledge (and identify gaps) on all the stages necessary for a reintroduction (or a similar operation) for an insect: analysis of threats, scientific monitoring, conservation actions (management of the species and its habitat).
Researchers, naturalists, managers of natural and/or agricultural areas, breeders, farmers and zoo curators are all welcome to attend or to propose a talk.
The symposium will be held in Arles and includes excursions to the Coussouls de Crau National Nature Reserve, a site where P. rhodanica is found and conserved.
Registration is free!