[Nhcoll-l] Regulation of Insect Collecting in Europe: How Is It in Your Country?

[Sergio Montagud]

Good morning,
This message is addressed to European entomologists or entomology specialists from European institutions. It is a brief inquiry in the form of a quick survey.
In Spain, nature conservation regulations are very restrictive regarding the collection of organisms, affecting all animal groups. While these measures are understandable and necessary for vertebrates and larger invertebrates—considering that many collection activities are related to hunting or consumption without a scientific purpose—the situation in entomology is different.
Currently, in Spain, insect collecting is prohibited and regulated throughout the national territory. Permits can only be obtained within the framework of research projects, which are accessible only to a small group of professionals and require a considerable amount of administrative paperwork. There is a catalog of protected species, where some insect species are strictly prohibited from being collected, which is logical and reasonable. However, the regulations also apply to all other species, including common insects and even pest species, making their collection technically illegal without a permit.
This situation is having a severe impact on amateur entomology, particularly affecting the availability of data on insect distribution in our country. As a result, there is a significant gap in information regarding the current status and evolution of populations, affecting both common and rare species.
We are gathering information on how insect collecting is regulated in other European countries. Therefore, we would like to know:

  1.  Is insect collecting regulated in your country?
  2.  If so, does the prohibition apply to all species unless a permit is obtained, or only to those listed in protected species catalogs, allowing the collection of the rest?
  3.  If there are regulations, has there been a decline in amateur entomology and a loss of chorological data in recent years as a result of these restrictions?

We need responses, so any contribution will be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to reply using the following format, that is so fast!

Example:
Poland, 1-YES, 2-ALL SPECIES, 3-NO

We sincerely appreciate any information you can provide.

Best wishes

Sergio
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Sergio Montagud Alario
Museu [UV] Història Natural
Universitat de València
e-mail: sergio.montagud at uv.es<mailto:sergio.montagud at uv.es>
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