Hazard analysis of selected insect groups (bumblebees, ants, bedbugs) in Austria.

Of the approximately 54000 animal species in Austria, about 40000 species are insects. They live in all habitats, from the salt varnishes of the Seewinkel to the highest mountain peaks. The small animals do great things, for example in pollination of plants, pest control, the degradation of organic matter and as a food base for other animals. Comprehensive analyses of the population and endangerment of certain insect groups have not yet been available. The Federal Environment Agency has examined the state of bumblebees, ants and bedbugs in more detail and analysed protective measures. The result: About 10 % of bumblebee and ant species as well as 5 % of bedbugs in Austria are at risk of immediate extinction. More than 25 % of the species in these three insect groups are endangered in their populations, and more than 10 % are subject to the pre-warning level.