End-mites catalogue of the Gesäuse National Park — Animal group: Beetle: Sprout, leaf beetle Co. (Coleoptera part.: Curculionidae, Chrysomelidae)

From a beetle’s point of view, the Gesäuse National Park is one of the most important endemic hotspots in the Eastern Alps. Currently, 24 beetle endemites from the 5 families of the Rüssel and leaf beetle as well as pill, manure and soft beetle are known from this protected area. Due to their distribution patterns, the presence of at least 15 other endemic beetles that have not yet been detected in the National Park is likely to be possible for the area. All altitudes of the National Park are populated by Endemiten, with the biotopes of the high altitudes of particular importance: Upholstery and Alpine lawn societies, Schutthalden, Grünerlen-Buschwald, Hochtaudenfluren as well as dwarf shrub heaths are the most endemic habitats in the area. Many of the endemic leaf and trunk beetles are also specialised in one or a few fodder plums. About three-quarters of all species have a bond to Alpine lawn societies or rock and debris habitats. Endemic beetle species are endangered in the Alpine region due to the loss and conversion of alpine lawn societies, which are caused on the one hand by grazing sensitive areas and, on the other hand, by climate change. In total, 456 species of beetles from 65 families were detected in the current surveys between 2015 and 2016 and including historical data. The boar beetle Oedemera monticola and the trunk beetle Amalorrhynchus melanarius are reported for the first time for Styria The long-term existence of the protected area Gesäuse National Park and the continuation of the research work are the best prerequisites for the protection of endemic beetle fauna.