Spatial analysis of the occurrence of protected butterflies in six European biogeographic regions as a tool for the environmental risk assessment of Bt maize

Heissenberger Andreas,Dolezel Marion,Bartel Andreas

doi:10.3897/biorisk.13.20688

Abstract

Spatial analysis of the occurrence of protected butterflies in six European biogeographic regions as a tool for the environmental risk assessment of Bt maize

Highlights

In the European Union (EU), the authorisation of genetically modified plants (GMPs) is guided by principles which are laid down by Directive 2001/18/EC and its annexes
Using a literature- and GIS-based approach, distribution data of protected lepidopteran species listed in Council Directive 92/43/EEC and of maize cultivation was used in order to evaluate potential spatial overlaps between GM maize and protected nontarget Lepidoptera in different biogeographical regions (BGR) of the EU
The analysis presented in this study is based on the actual distribution information of selected FFH butterfly species and data on maize cultivation in six different BGRs of Europe

Summary

Introduction

In the European Union (EU), the authorisation of genetically modified plants (GMPs) is guided by principles which are laid down by Directive 2001/18/EC and its annexes. The biogeographical regions of Europe have been considered as a useful concept (EFSA 2010a) This biogeographical region concept was developed in order to define the biogeographical regions mentioned in Article 1 c) (iii) of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive, EC 1992), depicted in the Indicative Map of European Biogeographical Regions by the European Environment Agency This concept considers the most important factors which determine the distribution of epigeic organisms in Europe, e.g. vegetation and climate. Practical experience with the use of biogeographical regions in the ERA of GMP is, largely limited One study considered this biogeographical zoning concept for ERA purposes by identifying relevant earthworm species in arable soils in three European biogeographical regions (van Capelle et al 2016). Another study selected the Continental biogeographical region when suggesting a selection procedure of focal species for ERA testing purposes (Hilbeck et al 2014)

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion