MEDIA

IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Conference in Dubai

The researcher Paulo A. V. Borges, co-leader of the IUCN SSC Atlantic Islands Invertebrate Specialist Group (https://www.aiisg.net/) and member of the IUCN SSC Species Monitoring Specialist Group, is representing these groups at the 5th Leaders' Meeting of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) taking place in Dubai from October 23 to 28. This event brings together global leaders to discuss strategies and assess the effectiveness of species conservation actions, with the goal of guiding future interventions for biodiversity preservation.

One of the main objectives of the event is to evaluate how the impact of the Commission’s activities can be monitored and used to develop new data and indicators that will serve as benchmarks for the global biodiversity strategy. Another key goal is to increase visibility and public awareness of the role of the SSC and its partners in species conservation.

During the event, Paulo Borges presented the application of the Green List for three endangered insect species from the Azores for the first time, also proposing a Biotic Integrity Index to monitor arthropod populations on islands. These initiatives represent a significant advancement in the conservation of endemic island species

 

On October 28, the Green List statuses for two endemic beetle species from the Azores — Pseudanchomenes aptinoides, endemic to Pico Island, and Tarphius floresensis, endemic to Flores Island — were officially published. This publication marks a milestone for the conservation of Azorean species and symbolizes the IUCN's ongoing commitment to protecting island biodiversity.

In addition to his presentations, Paulo Borges was elected to represent invertebrates on the IUCN Green List Development Committee, strengthening the role of Portuguese specialists in leading biodiversity conservation initiatives and protecting endangered island species.

About the Atlantic Islands Invertebrate Specialist Group

The IUCN SSC Atlantic Islands Invertebrate Specialist Group (AIISG) is a network dedicated to studying, monitoring, and conserving invertebrates of the Atlantic Islands. Based at https://www.aiisg.net/, AIISG works to protect endemic species and promote sustainable conservation policies.

For more information, contact:
Paulo A.V. Borges – paulo.av.borges.uac.pt

IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)
The IUCN Species Survival Commission is an international network of experts focused on promoting species conservation worldwide. The SSC works to preserve biodiversity, establish global standards, and drive public policy and environmental awareness to protect species at risk.

 

Pseudanchomenus aptinoides

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/97117836/99166554#green-assessment-information

Borges, P.A.V. 2022. Pseudanchomenus aptinoides (Green Status assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T97117836A9711783620242.

 

Tarphius floresensis

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/112215110/112215127#green-assessment-information

Borges, P.A.V. 2024. Tarphius floresensis (Green Status assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T112215110A11221511020242.

Trechus terrabravensis

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/97126159/99166599#green-assessment-information

Borges, P.A.V. 2022. Trechus terrabravensis (Green Status assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T97126159A9712615920242.