LAND: Norwegian Insect Red Lists 2010 and 2015: optimising the use of species occurrence data for objective evaluation of endangered status

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The project will use species occurrence data, obtained from existing databases, natural history museum collections and field work, to develop a scientifically sound and objective approach to evaluation of the endangered species status for the new editions of the Norwegian Red List (planned by Artsdatabanken for 2010 and 2015). Our evaluation will be built on species distribution predictions, based on ecological niche modelling using published algorithms and existing software. The project will be led by a group of experts at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, in cooperation with colleagues from other Norwegian and Scandinavian museums. The project will include one PhD student (stipendiat) (co-funded by NFR and NHM), and several Master studen ts and interns (no NFR funding required). The project will directly contribute to our understanding, sustainable use and efficient management of the natural environment. The new approaches will be implemented in preparation of the Norwegian Red Lists 201 0 and 2015, aiming to provide decision makers, scientists and general public with up-to-date information about the status of the most vulnerable component of the Norwegian biota.