The Great Stag Hunt: A Citizen Science Survey for Insect Conservation

Strategic Insights -

The Great Stag Hunt, a pioneering citizen science project by People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), has been monitoring the distribution of native stag beetles in Britain and Europe for over 25 years, since 1998. With an impressive 15,000 records submitted by thousands of volunteers last year, the survey aims to understand the impact of climate change on stag beetle populations and provide essential insights for conservation efforts. The project, which is open to anyone in England, Scotland, and Wales, encourages participants to record sightings of stag beetles online, helping to build a national picture of these incredible insects' distribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Great Stag Hunt has been running for over 25 years, collecting vital data on stag beetle populations since 1998.
  • Last year, 15,000 records of stag beetles were submitted by thousands of volunteers, with hotspots in southern England, the Severn Valley, and coastal parts of the southwest.
  • Over 2,600 stag beetles were spotted in Hampshire, over 2,100 in Greater London, and over 1,700 in Surrey, demonstrating the need for continued monitoring in these areas.
  • Stag beetles are vulnerable to traffic and footfall in urban areas, and conservation efforts are essential to retain old tree stumps and deadwood habitats, which are critical for their life cycle.
  • Taking part in the Great Stag Hunt is a simple but powerful way for people to help understand and conserve these incredible insects.
  • Data gathered from citizen science surveys like the Great Stag Hunt are essential for tracking progress towards the UK government's biodiversity targets outlined in the Environmental Act 2021.
  • The project has been praised for its ability to engage the public in conservation efforts and gather essential data on invertebrate populations.

Statistics:

  • 15,000 records of stag beetles were submitted by thousands of volunteers last year, representing a significant increase in citizen science engagement.
  • 2,600 stag beetles were spotted in Hampshire, 2,100 in Greater London, and 1,700 in Surrey, demonstrating the distribution of stag beetles in these areas.
  • The Great Stag Hunt has been monitoring stag beetle populations since 1998, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change on these incredible insects.

Sources:

  • People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)
  • www.ptes.org/gsh
  • "Data gathered from citizen science surveys like the Great Stag Hunt are essential for tracking progress towards the government's legally binding biodiversity targets outlined in the Environmental Act 2021." - Nida Al-Fulaij, CEO at People's Trust for Endangered Species
  • "Stag beetles are fascinating insects, spending most of their lives - three to five years - underground before emerging as adults in search of a mate." - David Wembridge, Conservation Research and Strategy Officer at People's Trust for Endangered Species