NM-RARe: A FRAMEWORK FOR REGIONAL ARTHROPOD CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT: INSIGHTS FROM NEW MEXICO
Arthropods represent the most species-rich animal group on the planet, yet they remain largely overlooked in formal conservation planning. New Mexico is a US state with exceptional biodiversity, including numerous endemic, rare, and threatened arthropod species. Recent attention to global insect declines has highlighted the need to document possible threats to and declines of New Mexico insects…
Arthropods, the most diverse animal group on Earth, have long been neglected in conservation efforts. New Mexico, a state rich in biodiversity, is home to many endemic, rare, and threatened arthropod species. The global decline of insects has spurred recent calls for documenting threats to and declines in New Mexico's insect and arthropod populations.
Before 2025, all terrestrial arthropods in New Mexico lacked state-level protection, and little was known about most species' taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and conservation needs. To fill this knowledge gap, researchers created the New Mexico Rare Arthropod Resource (NM-RARe), a public database for arthropod species and subspecies in need of conservation in New Mexico.
By drawing from multiple reliable sources, NM-RARe initially identified 7,018 taxa and conducted assessments covering 285 taxa. Of those assessed using IUCN Red List standards, 52 were subspecies and 209 were species level assessments, with 165 meeting criteria for inclusion in the database. These assessments were then incorporated into New Mexico's 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan, marking a significant conservation achievement.
Beyond its regional impact, NM-RARe provides a standardized, adaptable framework for arthropod conservation assessment, applicable to any region or taxonomic group worldwide.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
