ENDANGERED SPECIES in POLAND by Nadia Circu

Poland Mammals: 1.

Alpine Shrew

Sorex alpinus

Bechstein's Bat

Myotis bechsteinii

Eurasian Otter

Lutra lutra

European Bison

Bison bonasus

European Ground Squirrel

Spermophilus citellus

European Mink

Mustela lutreola

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Garden Dormouse

Eliomys quercinus

Giant Noctule Bat

Nyctalus lasiopterus

10. Pond Bat

Myotis dasycneme

11. Speckled Ground Squirrel

Spermophilus suslicus

12. Western Barbastelle

Barbastella barbastellus

Plants: 1. Anthoceros neesii

Anthoceros neesii

2. Betula szaferi

Betula szaferi

3. Betula oycoviensis

Betula oycoviensis

4. Marsh Earwort

Jamesoniella undulifolia

5. Orthotrichum scanicum

Orthotrichum scanicum

Birds: 1.

Aquatic Warbler

Acrocephalus paludicola

Balearic Shearwater

Puffinus mauretanicus

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Tryngites subruficollis

Corncrake

Crex crex

Dalmatian Pelican

Pelecanus crispus

Egyptian Vulture

Neophron percnopterus

Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

Eurasian Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus peregrinus

10. European Roller

Coracias garrulus

11. Ferruginous Duck

Aythya nyroca

12. Great Snipe

Gallinago media

13. Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga

14. Ivory Gull

Pagophila eburnea

15. Red Kite

Milvus milvus

16. Red-footed Falcon

Falco vespertinus

17. Saker Falcon

Falco cherrug

18. Sociable Lapwing

Vanellus gregarius

19. Sooty Shearwater

Puffinus griseus

20. Steller's Eider

Polysticta stelleri

21. White-headed Duck

Oxyura leucocephala

Fishes: 1. Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

2. Danube Salmon

Hucho hucho

3. European Eel

Anguilla anguilla

4. Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

5. Maraene

Coregonus maraena

Insects: 1.

Agabus clypealis

Apollo Butterfly

Parnassius apollo

Cerambyx Longicorn

Cerambyx cerdo

Cucujus cinnaberinus

Dytiscus latissimus

Formicoxenus nitidulus

Goldstreifiger

Buprestis splendens

Graphoderus bilineatus

Mountain Alcon Blue

Maculinea rebeli

10. Nehalennia speciosa

Nehalennia speciosa

11. Rosalia Longicorn

Rosalia alpina

12. Small Lappet Moth

Phyllodesma ilicifolia

Mammals: Bechstein's Bat A rare species that occurs at low densities and has specific habitat requirements. Its population is fragmented and its sedentary habits mean that it does not colonize new areas easily. There is very little information on population trends, but it is suspected that the species is declining as a result of the loss and degradation of specific types of old-growth woodland, compounded by other threats such as human disturbance. It is suspected that these threats may result in a population decline approaching 30% over a 15 year period including both the past and the future. Consequently it is assessed as Near Threatened (approaching A4c). Threats include inappropriate management and development of woodland habitats, intensive agriculture (e.g., use of pesticides on farmland adjacent to woodland occupied by the species) and human disturbance of roost sites. The loss of old trees with hollows is a particular problem. In Germany, infrastructure developments (and associated habitat fragmentation) and forestry are the main threats (Schulenberg 2005).

European Mink This species is listed as Critically Endangered because of an ongoing population reduction. In the last ten years (a period exceeding three generations) this is inferred to have resulted in the loss of over half the population, and it is predicted to intensify in the next ten years to result in a decline rate exceeding 80% because of habitat degradation/loss and the effects of introduced species, notably American Mink Neovison vison. The decline and extinction of the European Mink cannot be explained with a single universal factor. The main factors operating the extinction have been (1) habitat loss, (2) over-exploitation and (3) impact of alien American Mink. Local key factors have changed with time also in many other countries. For instance the impact of over-hunting and/or habitat change weakened the populations and accelerated the impact of the subsequent spread of the American Mink and/or the impact of other factors. It might well be that sometimes the interchange of key factors in time and/or the concurrent impact of several factors has led to a synergistic effect on the European Mink. Further, the time from the introduction of the threat to the extinction of the species can be highly variable, resulting in the so-called extinction or decline lag (Baillie et al. 2004). This, along with the interwoven effect of numerous 4

factors, is likely to result in situations when it is hard or, in some cases, even impossible to identify the actual causes behind the extinction process.

Garden Dormouse Populations in the east have decreased significantly over the last 20-30 years, and the species may have disappeared from as much as 50% of its former range during the last 30 years. However, there is little information on the current decline rate. Since the western populations remain stable, the overall reduction over the last 10 years is almost certainly less than 30% (the threshold for Vulnerable under criterion A). However, as the species is suffering significant ongoing decline, the cause of which is not understood, it is listed as Near Threatened. The species has declined more than almost any other rodent in Europe. It has been suggested that it is threatened in some areas (especially Corsica) by direct competition with the brown rat Rattus norvegicus (Macdonald and Barrett 1993). The populations from Germany eastwards are declining (H. Meinig pers. comm. 2006), but the reasons are not well known, although thought to be related to habitat changes. In some areas of orchards, the species is considered a pest.It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. The species is found in many protected areas. There is a need to determine why the populations in the eastern part of the range are in decline, to monitor these populations, and to identify and implement appropriate conservation measures.

Speckled Ground Squirrel Globally, the population has shown serious declines over the last 50 years. However, over the last ten years the rate of decline has slowed (perhaps to ca. 20%, but no data are currently available to support this figure). Since the population is still declining, albeit at a slower rate, and habitat loss and fragmentation is continuing, the species is assessed as Near Threatened at the global level (approaching A2bc+3bc).

It is threatened by the loss and fragmentation of appropriate habitats. Causes of habitat loss include expansion of agriculture and forestry, urbanisation, reclamation of wasteland and industrial development (Glowacinski et al. 2001, Piskorski 2005, Z. Glowacinski pers. comm. 2006). More than 50% of the remaining Polish population is threatened by the expansion of Lublin airport (A. Gondek pers. comm. 2006). In some areas, it is persecuted as an agricultural pest. Hybridisation with S. pygmaeus and S. citellus has been recorded, but is not likely to be a major threat. Currently all populations are declining and becoming more fragmented, which makes hybridisation less of a problem.

Plants: Anthoceros neesii The area of occupancy is less than 500 kmÂ˛, in only two localities and there has been an observed decline in habitat quality. It therefore meets the IUCN criteria for Endangered based on the small area, less than five localities, and the decline in habitat quality. Clayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;loam soils in open areas. Seems to be restricted to crop fields (primary habitat unknown). Its habitat has undergone drastic changes due to changes in agricultural practices.

Orthotrichum scanicum The knowledge of the distribution of O. scanicum has improved significantly in recent years. It has been collected in many new localities and re-found at other older ones. Moreover, the size of several known subpopulations is very large, and it seems that previous considerations about this taxon being threatened were based on imperfect knowledge regarding its status. Hence the status of this species is changed to Least Concern. 6

It grows on trunks and branches of conifers as well as broad-leaf deciduous trees; is very rarely found on rocks. Although there were past threats to this species in the northern European part of its range (logging and pollution), in the southern and eastern parts of its range there are no significant threats.

Birds: Corncrake Data from ongoing (albeit modest) monitoring in Russia (which holds the vast majority of the global population) indicate that the predicted declines have not taken place and that numbers have remained stable since 2002 or are even increasing. Whilst it is difficult to accurately predict future trends owing to the species's extensive range and differing climatic and agricultural conditions in different regions, it is thought that populations in key parts of the range in Russia and Kazakhstan are unlikely to change dramatically in the near future. The species is therefore classified as Least Concern because global population declines approaching 30% (predicted in 2004) have not taken place, and there is little evidence to suggest that they will do so in the next 11 years (three generations). This classification has taken place on the basis of improved knowledge of the species's global extinction risk, as opposed to a genuine recovery to favourable conservation status across its range. The species remains a high conservation priority in significant parts of its range (at both national and regional levels), and continued conservation interventions, research and monitoring are essential. Evidence of a downturn in its fortunes or adequately documented projections of imminent rapid declines would warrant a further review of its status.

European Roller This species has been downlisted to Least Concern. Although the population is still thought to be declining, the declines are not thought to be sufficiently rapid to warrant listing as Near Threatened. The European population is still thought to be declining but at a less severe rate and the Central Asian 7

population is not thought to be declining significantly. Conservation actions in several countries have contributed to national recoveries. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries and hundreds, perhaps thousands, are shot for food in Oman every spring (del Hoyo et al. 2001), and Gujarat, India. The loss of suitable breeding habitat due to changing agricultural practices, conversion to monoculture, loss of nest sites, and use of pesticides (reducing food availability) are considered to be the main threats to the species in Europe (E. Raèinskis in litt. 2005, Kovacs et al. 2008). It is sensitive to loss of hedgerows and riparian forest in Europe which provide essential habitats for perching and nesting.

Great Snipe This species is listed as Near Threatened because it is thought to be experiencing a moderately rapid population decline, owing primarily to habitat loss and degradation, as well as hunting pressure; it almost meets the requirements for listing as threatened under criteria A2cd+3cd+4cd. Any evidence that the decline is more rapid may qualify the species for uplisting to a higher threat category. Rapid declines in the southern forest and forest-steppe zones of Russia and Ukraine are largely a result of the destruction and deterioration of nesting habitats. The main causes of habitat loss are conversion to intensive agriculture (Kålås et al. 1997), wetland drainage and the submergence of river valleys during the creation of reservoirs. It is also hunted in eastern Europe and in its wintering range (Kålås 2003, C. Zöckler in litt. 2015), with reports of several thousands killed in just 15-20 days in Amasia, Armenia (L. Balyan in litt. 2008). Habitat loss due to climate change may represent the most severe threat to the Scandinavian population (R. Ekblom in litt. 2007, J. A. Kålås in litt. 2007).

Greater Spotted Eagle This species has a small population which appears to be declining owing to extensive habitat loss and persistent persecution. It is therefore listed as Vulnerable. In some European countries mixed pairs can 8

constitute 50% of Greater Spotted Eagle pairs (Maciorowski and Mizera 2010) or even more (Vali 2011). It is unclear whether this represents a new phenomenon or a conservation concern, but A. pomarina is far more numerous than C. clanga in the zone of overlap, and the range of C. pomarina appears to be spreading east, further into the range of C. clanga. Other key threats are habitat destruction and disturbance, also poaching and electrocution can be considered important. Suitable habitat mosaics have been lost as a result of afforestation and wetland drainage. In eastern Europe, agricultural intensification and the abandonment of traditional floodplain management have reduced habitat quality (A. LĂľhmus in litt. 1999). Birds are intolerant of permanent human presence in their territories. Forestry operations are a major cause of disturbance. Shooting is a threat in Russia, the Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Africa (P. D. Round in litt. 1998, P. Mirski in litt. 2012), together with deliberate and accidental poisoning across much of its range. In Israel, poisoning and electrocution are major causes for casualties of wintering population (Perlman and Granit 2012).

Fishes: Danube Salmon The species is severely fragmented within the Danube drainage, where most populations exclusively depend on stocking and natural reproduction is very limited due to habitat alterations and flow regime changes. The main current threat to the species is the flow regulation from hydropower dams which impact the species, and their prey's, habitat and pollution. Documented self-sustaining populations are very few. For example, these include the Drau, Mur, Melk, Pielach, and lower Gail rivers in Austria. Globally, they will have a combined area of occupancy of less than 500 kmÂ˛ (based on spawning areas). Historically overfishing, pollution and dam construction caused the decline of the species. Currently the main the threats are hydropower stations which heavily regulate flow regime (which impacts upon their prey and habitat), and pollution in some countries (Bosnia and Croatia).

European Eel Anguilla anguilla exhibits facultative catadromy, has multiple life stages, and is semelparous and panmictic; these 9

life history traits made application of the IUCN Red List criteria more challenging. Anguillids are often referred to as ‘freshwater eels’, however, it is known that they can exhibit inter-habitat migration and that a proportion may stay in estuaries, lagoons and coastal waters, rarely, if ever, entering freshwater: this element of the population is particularly poorly understood. One of the major threats to European Eel populations, like many anguillid species, is barriers to upstream and downstream migration, which also includes mortality by hydropower turbines and their associated screens and water management systems. Across Europe, there are a total of 24,350 hydropower plants and this figure is set to rise in the near future (van der Meer 2012). Indeed, in the Netherlands alone there are a total of 4,671 water pumping stations which inhibit the spawning migrations of adult silver eels downstream and the upstream migration of young glass eels. Degradation and loss of available habitat is also exacerbated by development, flood control, water-level management and the abstraction of surface and ground water for both domestic and commercial (e.g. agricultural) use.

Maraene This species is widespread in the Baltic basin. However, there are only few natural populations left. Most of the natural populations declined because of pollution, blocking of spawning rivers, and overfishing. Apparent abundance only reflects the massive stocking programmes in Germany, Poland and Scandinavia without which the populations would rapidly decline. In the Gulf of Bothnia alone, about six million juveniles were stocked annually (1995–1998) to support commercial fisheries. The major population crash of the wild population took place during major dam construction which ended more than 15 years ago, however there have still been some new dam constructions blocking the spawning grounds of Coregonus maraena. Habitat This fish forages along coasts and spawns in freshened parts of estuaries or in lower stretches of rivers. It also occurs in deep, oligo-mesotrophic lakes. Spawning occurs in shallow water, in rapids or small rivers or over firm sediments in lowland rivers and estuaries. In Lake Vänern, it spawns at 8–20 m depth, over firm bottom.

Biology The species has both anadromous and landlocked populations. It spawns for the first time at 3–5 years. Adults enters rivers in June–October (northern Baltic) until November (southern Baltic), when the temperature falls below 10°C. In the River Tornionjoki (Finland), individuals 10

ascending from sea in June–August can be distinguished by DNA markers from fish ascending in September. It spawns in October–November (Finland) until November–December (Poland), when the temperature falls below 6°C. Spawners overwinter in rivers or at sea very close to estuaries. Eggs hatch in early spring (March–April in Odra) and drift to sea or to estuarine bays. Juveniles migrate to sea in June–August (Odra). It may migrate up to 700 km from the spawning river to forage at sea (Bothnian Bay). Northernmost stocks undertake the longest migrations between spawning and foraging grounds. Some females spawn every second year. The species feeds on benthic prey (crustaceans, molluscs, large insect larvae, small fish). Water pollution, impoundment of rivers and overfishing are the most mahor threats.

Insects: Cucujus cinnaberinus European regional assessment: listed as Near Threatened because although the species appears to be expanding in central Europe, the species is declining rapidly in the surrounding areas due to habitat loss, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable. EU 27 regional assessment: listed as Near Threatened because although the species appears to be expanding in central Europe, the species is declining rapidly in the surrounding areas due to habitat loss, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable. The main overall threat is degradation or loss of habitat quality, involving structural changes in the tree populations arising from changing land use – affecting age structures and tree density. Exploitation from forestry is often a key immediate issue, but equally damaging can be long-term changes towards canopy closure as a result of non- or minimum-intervention management systems. Fragmentation and increasing isolation of beetle populations are also key factors.In Hungary removal of dead wood is a key threat, but the species is widespread and quickly colonizes new habitats (O. Merkl pers. comm. 2009). In Ukraine a negative factor is the felling and destruction of old trees. In Finland populations are within protected areas, but the species is threatened by insufficient continuum of large aspen and poor possibilities of colonizing new areas.

Goldstreifiger Listed as Endangered (B2ab(iii,iv)) in view that its area of occupancy is less than 500 kmÂ˛, its habitat is threatened by unfavourable forest management and under decline. This European endemic is very rare throughout its range with isolated populations and is known or suspected to be Extinct in some countries. The main overall threat is commercial and illegal logging, affecting age structures and tree density. Several subpopulations which are not subject to this threat are endangered by slow regrowth and are therefore vulnerable to single threatening events such as fires. Remaining populations can be threatened by commercial collection of specimens. In Romania, the threats to this species are unknown, possibly the loss of populations is due to removal of dead and dying trees (P. Istrate pers. comm. 2009).

Nehalennia speciosa Nehalennia speciosa has a very large extent of occurrence across Eurasia. However, it is declining and is already regionally extinct in many areas across its range. It currently exists in extremely small areas, at individual and severely scattered localities. The current area of occupancy is not known, however it is likely to be small and at least approaching the 2,000 kmÂ˛ threshold for Vulnerable. Available habitat continues to decline due to drainage of wetland areas and climatic changes. Pollution and overgrowth of habitats also threaten the survival of this species. The number of large populations known at present is low (25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;30 currently known in Europe). Drying out of habitats as result of drainage, extreme weather events and climatic changes (global warming). Changes in the species composition and structure of vegetation caused by an increased load of nutrients from deforested or agriculturally used surroundings, aerial influx and recreational activities (e.g., angling). Overgrowth of habitats, especially secondary ones.

Rosalia Longicorn The Rosalia longicorn is 15 to 38 mm (0.59 to 1.50 in) long. The antennae can be up to twice as long as the rest of the body in males, and the same length in females. The elytra are flat, blue-gray, with variable black spots, including a prominent one on the thorax, a silky one in front, and a small one in back. Both the antennae and the legs have the same coloration as the body. The coloration serves as good camouflage with their preferred habitat, the European Beech. They are distributed from the Alps east to Slovakia. Its numbers across Europe has greatly depleted in recent years, and it is a protected species in Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. The adults are active from June to September. By day the beetles sit near flowers and feed on the pollen. They make a chirping sound by scraping their rear legs and elytra together. After mating, the female lays the eggs within a crack in the bark of a beech. The larvae eat the bark and pupate there as well when it has reached about three years of age. The mature adult emerges from the pupa.