Extinct and endangered
Many animal and plant species are becoming rare and endangered – or even extinct. This happens for a variety of reasons, including – due to human activity. It is estimated that the number of these species will increase in the future. The collection of the museum plays an important role in preserving evidence of the historical occurrence of species in Latvia.
Damon blue Agrodiaetus damon – last recorded sighting – in 2013
Speckled buzzing grasshopper Bryodemella tuberculata – last recorded sighting – in 1936
European roller Corracias garrulus – the number of breeding pairs in Latvia has dropped below 20
Shingled gladiolus Gladiolus imbricatus – found only in the valleys of the Daugava and Lielupe rivers
Bird’s-eye primrose Primula farinosa – found only in some alkaline fens
European globeflower Trollius europaeus – the number of habitats has been declining rapidly over the last 20 years
On the mirror
Biodiversity is the food we eat, the water we drink, and it is also the air we breathe. More than that, biodiversity is part of us, as we humans are part of nature.
Dr. Cristiana Paşca Palmer