One in five species of millipedes known as “chilopods” and one in three species of insects in the order of pearls, also known as “plecopterans”, are threatened in France.
These little-known species have been the subject of a detailed assessment of the level of threat they face, and the results are rather worrying. Chilopod millipedes and pearls are undergoing changes to their living environments, and the loss of individuals of these species indicates that their habitats are in danger. This is why they are known as bio-indicators.
Two species with very specific habitats
Chilopods live mainly in litter or under stones and dead wood in forests, caves and beaches. They help to regulate the microfauna and regenerate the soil. But they are highly sensitive to variations in temperature, humidity, acidity and pollution.
Pearls, on the other hand, tend to live in watercourses and also need specific ecological conditions. Small changes in their environment can have a major impact on their populations.
Destruction of natural habitats
As for millipedes, intensive forestry and the standardisation of plantations are damaging natural forest habitats. Coastal habitats are threatened by tourist developments and mechanical beach cleaning. Finally, cave-dwelling species are suffering from trampling and light pollution. Some species of chilopod have been classified as “Critically Endangered”.
In the case of pearls, industrial, urban and agricultural pollution, as well as river development work, have contributed to the decline in their populations. Natural mountain habitats have been degraded by pollution and soil erosion as a result of forestry, hydroelectric developments and overgrazing, as well as water abstraction for human activities. These factors have contributed to the disappearance of certain pearl species from mainland France.
Climate change has a lot to do with it
The degradation of the natural habitats of millipedes and pearls is exacerbated by the effects of climate change:
- more intense summer heat and droughts impacting humidity and forests
- more frequent and intense coastal fires,
- rising water temperatures and the drying up of wetlands and rivers,
- reduced snow cover and melting ice.
We need these little creatures!
These invertebrate species play an important role in the functioning of ecosystems in France. They are decomposers: they transform dead organic matter into nutrients that can be used to fertilise the soil. They also help to aerate the soil by moving underground, which is beneficial for plants and other organisms.
These animals also help to indicate the state of health of the natural environments in which they live. The analyses carried out, which have led to several species being classified as endangered, underline the importance of strengthening the preservation of their fragile habitats and taking action to reduce the pressures that affect them.
The loss of biodiversity is one of the most important crises facing us today. We have a duty to protect endangered species and their environment. This is what motivated A Rocha France’s mission: to preserve the richness of life and mobilise Christians to act out of love for God, for his creation and for others!
This red list was produced by the French IUCN Committee and PatriNat (OFB, MNHN, CNRS, IRD).