RED LISTS OF EUROPEAN BUTTERFLIES (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIOIDEA ET PAPILIONOIDEA): PROBLEMS OF CRITERIA AND INTEGRATION OF RUSSIAN ECOLOGICAL AND FAUNAL DATA

Abstract

The methods and criteria used in the Red Book and European butterfly red lists are discussed and the status of European butterfly species is assessed. The status is identified due to the Species of European Conservation Concern, divided into four categories depending on their global conservation status, their European Threat Status and the proportion of their world range in Europe. The most important threats to European butterflies are ranged. Within the conservation strategy, habitat protection and management, climate change and development of the European butterfly indicators are considered. The Prime Butterfly Areas of Europe identified by European entomologists are discussed. The European Russia faunistic data is not entirely included in recent red butterfly lists and the solution of this problem is discussed.