Additional hoverfly species (Diptera, Syrphidae) will be suggested for protection in Serbia!

Due to limited resources for conservation purposes, conservation efforts are often directed towards better explored/known, and more charismatic species (mostly mammals or birds), leaving other species, especially invertebrates, unprotected, or poorly protected. In order to point out the importance of hoverfly conservation, based on long- term monitoring data for Serbia, Vujić et al. (2016), identified key species and core areas significant for their survival in this region. The aim of this study was to designate species which need to be included in the list of protected and strictly protected species of hoverflies in Serbia, based on the new records from recent field work. According to our results, 11 species will be suggested for future protection: Chrysotoxum montanum Nedeljković & Vujić, 2015, Chrysotoxum orthostylum Vujić, 2015, Chrysotoxum tomentosum Giglio- Tos, 1890, Doros destillatorius Mik 1885, Eumerus banaticus in litt., Eumerus pannonicus Ricarte, Vujić & Radenković, 2016, Merodon calidus in litt., Merodon illyricus in litt., Merodon austerus Vujić & Radenković, 2017, Merodon moesiacus in litt., Merodon rasicus Vujić & Radenković, 2015. Additionally, for the specified species with enough occurrence points, species distribution models were created using maxent function within dismo R software package in order to determine the suitable climatic habitats for these species. Results of this study can significantly contribute to planning future monitoring activities and creating conservation strategies for the preservation of important hoverfly species in Serbia.