Scientists aim to connect Latvian and Lithuanian populations of the hermit beetle
Latvian and Lithuanian scientists plan to build a cross-border ecological network to preserve habitats of the protected hermit beetle and bring the two countries' populations closer together.
The hermit beetle, also known as the oak hermit or scarce fungus beetle, is a species protected across Europe whose survival depends on old, hollow, sun-exposed deciduous trees. As such trees become increasingly rare, the species is considered endangered throughout its range.
Old deciduous trees are not important for the hermit beetle alone — they also serve as a habitat for many other tree-dependent species. Protecting the beetle therefore indirectly helps preserve broader biodiversity within these habitats.
One of the main challenges is that the beetle itself is a poor traveler: it cannot move far between isolated clusters of trees or fragmented forest areas. This makes it difficult for separate populations to naturally reach one another and can lead to genetic isolation over time.
To address this, scientists are planning to establish a cross-border ecological network linking Latvia and Lithuania. The goal is to connect suitable habitats on both sides of the border, creating corridors that would allow the beetle and other species dependent on old trees to more easily reach neighboring populations.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to preserve old deciduous tree habitats in the Baltic region, which matter not only for individual protected species but also for the overall resilience of local ecosystems.
