This Action Plan is dedicated to six hoverflies species that are specialised on veteran trees and wet, decaying wood. These saproxylic insects not only are important pollinators but also act as nutrient recyclers, pests’ predators, and indicators of ecosystem health. “Hoverflies specialised to veteran trees in Europe – Conservation Action Plan 2023–2030” sheds a light on the importance of appropriate forestry practices that keep into account the needs of pollinators species that rely on dead wood and ancient trees. The removal of veteran trees, the replacement of key tree species, and the implementation of hoverfly-unfriendly woodland management are all threats to these species.
1.1.1 Creation of a steering group
The IUCN SSC Hoverfly SG (HSG) reported that it was expected that the action Plan implementation would receive funding; however, no funds have been provided yet. Only activities that could proceed without financial support have been initiated
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
1.2.1 Conduct and support national Red List assessments for hoverflies in key European countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, France, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Montenegro, and Ukraine.
The IUCN SSC Hoverfly SG (HSG) reported that the Red List assessments have been initiated in Greece and Montenegro, while efforts in other countries are still pending.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
1.2.2 Add key hoverfly species to national lists of protected species, including Sphiximorpha petronillae (Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, Greece), Chalcosyrphus pannonicus (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine), Primocerioides regale (Greece, Serbia), and Brachypalpus chrysites (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany).
It was also reported that Serbia is the only country where these species (ref. As listed in Action 1.2.2 above) are officially protected with a National List of protected species. However, other listed countries have National Red Lists of hoverflies that include these species.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2030
1.2.3 Explore existing policies and legal instruments for the protection of veteran trees
An exploration of existing policies and legal instruments for the protection of veteran trees will be part of the planned doctoral dissertation at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
1.2.4 Instigating legal frameworks or policies for the protection of veteran trees in countries without any existing protection
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
1.3.1 Consideration of veteran trees and wet decaying wood as well as the specialist hoverflies in the expansion of the European protected area network
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
1.3.2 Ensure protection of veteran trees in the context of the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on nature restoration
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
1.3.3 Convene a stakeholder platform with foresters and arboriculturists to provide recommendations on optimal management of veteran trees and moist decaying wood
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
1.4.1 Ensure consideration of veteran trees, moist decaying wood and their specialised hoverflies in the EU habitat action plans
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
1.4.2 Ensure consideration of veteran tree specialised hoverflies in national action plans for insects and biodiversity strategies
Consideration of veteran tree-specialized hoverflies in national action plans for insects and biodiversity strategies has been fulfilled for Serbia at 5%.
A publication has been prepared focused on the monitoring and conservation of hoverflies, which includes information on veteran tree-specialized hoverflies. Burazerović, J. (Ed.). (2024). Status, Trends, and Conservation Measures for Pollinators in the Republic of Serbia: Recommendations for Improving Public Policies and Their Implementation. Belgrade, ORCA. ISBN 978-86-81226-02-5.
Status: In Progress
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: (2025-2029)
1.5.1 Conducting a gap analysis to obtain an overview of the number of hoverfly populations specialised to veteran trees (Sphiximorpha petronillae, Chalcosyrphus pannonicus, Primocerioides regale, Brachypalpus chrysites, Chalcosyrphus jacobsoni and Chalcosyrphus nigripes) in- and outside protected areas
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2027
1.5.2 Instigate planning and designation of protected areas of currently unprotected key populations of Sphiximorpha petronillae, Chalcosyrphus pannonicus, Primocerioides regale, Brachypalpus chrysites, Chalcosyrphus jacobsoni and Chalcosyrphus nigripes
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2030
2.1.1 .Conduct field surveys at localities of all historic records of veteran tree specialised hoverflies in the European Union and neighbouring countries as well as potential habitats
The IUCN SSC Hoverfly SG (HSG) reported that the field surveys have been carried out in Serbia, Montenegro, Italy, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, France, and the Czech Republic in the last two years
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026-2029
2.1.2 Study genetic diversity of remaining populations of veteran tree specialised hoverfly species in Europe
The study of genetic diversity of remaining populations of veteran tree-specialized hoverfly species in Europe has been initiated in Serbia; however, it cannot yet be considered to have reached 25% completion of the task
Status: In Progress
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2029
2.1.3 Map the distribution of veteran trees across Europe and create a comprehensive European database, building on existing national and citizen science databases (e.g., Italy, Sweden, UK, Monumental Trees, VETCERT).
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.2.1 Research on larval habitat preferences (tree species, microhabitat, decay stage) for the six prioritised veteran tree specialised hoverfly species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.2.2 Research on necessary spatial requirements (and number of veteran trees or amount of decaying dead wood required) of the prioritised veteran tree specialised hoverflies
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.2.3 Study on the connectivity of populations, mobility of selected hoverfly species with focus on dispersal
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.2.4 Field survey to quantify availability of suitable and potential trees and appropriate microhabitats for the target hoverfly species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.3.1 Study methods to create breeding sites for veteran tree specialised hoverflies to promote their populations
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.3.2 Development of best practice guidance for habitat management and restoration of veteran trees, decaying moist wood and specialist hoverflies
The IUCN Hoverfly Specialist Group (HSG) is in the process of preparing a publication.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025 (update 2030)
2.3.3 Study on how other habitats with trees (parks, gardens) can promote the species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.3.4 Study on effects of climate change on the availability of habitat
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.3.5 Study the effect of wildfires on veteran tree specialised hoverfly populations
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2029
2.4.1 Development of a standardised monitoring protocol for veteran tree specialised hoverflies
The IUCN HSG is in the process of preparing the protocol. They also reported that the monitoring protocol for rare and threatened species will be an integral part of the EUPOMS project.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.4.2 Integration of monitoring scheme for veteran tree specialised hoverflies in European Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EUPOMS)
The monitoring scheme for effectiveness of conservation actions will be an integral part of the EUPOMS.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.4.3 Establishment of a monitoring scheme for effectiveness of conservation actions for threatened veteran tree specialised hoverflies
The monitoring scheme for effectiveness of conservation actions will be an integral part of the EUPOMS.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2027
3.1.1 Ensure that existing management plans of relevant Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas consider veteran tree specialised hoverflies
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2027
3.1.2 Adapt local forest management to protect and increase the number of veteran trees and amount of decaying moist wood in areas with occurrence of any of the target species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
3.1.3 Explore options to reintroduce Sphiximorpha petronillae, Chalcosyrphus pannonicus and Primocerioides regale in areas or countries where they are regionally extinct
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2030
3.2.1 Identify priority areas for future veteran tree habitats
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2029
3.2.2 Habitat preservation: Develop guidance for those providing training to foresters linked to Forest Certification Processes
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026-2029
3.2.3 Creating larval habitat in areas with occurrence of highly threatened species How: Small cutting into living trees to produce saprun / breeding boxes (see 2.3.1)
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025-2028
4.1.1 Provide training material on how to recognise high value veteran trees
The IUCN HSG is in the process of preparing training material.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
4.1.2 Promote veteran tree survival in forests in the general wider landscape
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025-2030
4.1.3 Promote veteran tree survival in public spaces (roadsides, parks, gardens, etc.)
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
4.1.4 Promote veteran tree survival in agricultural areas
Italy promotes the survival of veteran trees in agricultural areas; however, there currently is no information about similar initiatives in other countries.
Status: In Progress
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
4.1.5 Promote integrated pest management and reinforce recommendation to ban or reduce pesticides and herbicides in forests and parks
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
5.1.1 Prepare general outreach material
The IUCN HSG is in the process of preparing outreach material.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024 (update based upon
completed actions 2028)
5.1.2 Create information signs in areas with occurrence of threatened veteran tree specialised hoverflies to inform about the values, habitats and threats
There is a negotiation process underway to include information signs in Kamenicki Park, Novi Sad (Serbia), which features veteran oak trees.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026 (update 2029)
5.1.3 Provide information about the veteran tree specialised hoverflies action plan and implementation on the EU Pollinator Information Hive
Some information has been provided to the EU Pollinator Information Hive on the implementation of this action plan.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
5.1.4 Provide case studies on successful veteran tree conservation approaches
It was also noted that Kamenicki Park, Novi Sad (Serbia) serves as a case study for monitoring and conservation efforts focused on veteran trees.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2029
5.1.5 Awareness raising with foresters
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
5.2.1 Facilitate the development of a label ‘Veteran Tree Biodiver-City’ to distinguish municipalities which maintain veteran trees in parks
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
5.2.2 Engage citizens in veteran tree specialised hoverfly surveys
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2027
5.2.3 Engage citizens in creating larval habitats for veteran tree specialised hoverflies
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025