European Rhinoceros Beetle

Recovery of beetle populations – the case of the European rhinoceros beetle in Switzerland (Oryctes nasicornis)

The loss of insect diversity is a major and concerning phenomenon that gains more and more importance, especially in settlement areas. In those areas potential insect habitat vanishes with the sealing of soil, construction projects and wildlife-unfriendly preferences of garden owners. In settlement areas people lose the connection with nature, and hence the desire to engage with and support nature and biodiversity decreases. The city government of Bern in Switzerland aims to enhance the biodiversity in their city and support the conservation and improvement of habitats for wildlife within the city borders. Next to the protection of habitats and support of biodiversity the project focusses on rising awareness in the city centre’s inhabitants and encouraging and empowering people to engage in the conservation and protection of nature. The Animal Park Bern belongs to the city government, hence is part of this project. Here, two fascinating, rare and native species of beetles – the European rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis) and the stag beetle Lucanus cervus – will be bred and the captive population used to establish a new population within Animal Park Bern’s area. These releases will be accompanied by information for the zoo visitors and the public, as well as monitoring of the population.

This project is co-financed by Canton Bern and Animal Park Bern.