Conservation

As all naturalists are aware, ecosystems the world over are threatened by the bane of human encroachment: pollution, habitat loss, destructive farming practices, and so on. Many millipedes and other detrivores are especially vulnerable to disruptions to their habitats, as they rely on the long-term accumulation of rotting organic material to survive and thrive. Some species, such as the Mediterranean Pachyiulus flavipes, are capable of adapting to xeric, urban conditions, but others, such as Aphistogoniulus, are much more susceptible to habitat loss and the degradation of the forests that they hail from. It is therefore important to recognize the struggles many species are facing in the wild, and take the steps to prevent their extinction. An example might be that of Simandoa conserfariam, a roach species from Africa that is extinct in the wild, and is kept alive solely through the captive breeding efforts of dedicated blatticulturists. While this is one less species kept off the extinct list, this is absolutely not a desirable position for a species, whether roach or millipede, to be in, and as such enthusiasts need to be careful not to exacerbate problems by supporting the over collecting of millipedes in certain regions. As always, captive bred specimens are preferable to wild collected specimens due to their general better health, and it is doubly-important to ensure that species that are new to the hobby are sent to dedicated, experienced breeders to ensure they aren't lost and might be collected again.

While enthusiasts tend to focus on what can be done in their narrow niche of keeping specimens in glass boxes, the protection and restoration of habitat cannot be forgotten, and in some instances, it may be better to let specimens remain in the wild then to collect them for breeding projects. There is still very little research in this area, and this page will be updated as new information is discovered.

This paper by K.R Shridhar and Ashwini KM is recommended for understanding the reasons and methods why and in which millipedes should be conserved: "Diversity, restoration and conservation of millipedes."

Aphistogoniulus

This recognizable genus from Madagascar is currently threatened by habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. Only one species has a large range (A. erythrocephalus), with the majority of species restricted to singular reserves, parks, or patches of forest that are now surrounded by pseudosteppe created by human development and slash-and-burn farming practices. The IUCN Red List recognizes five species of Aphistogoniulus as being endangered or critically endangered. Currently only A. sakalava is available with any regularity to enthusiasts.

A scientific article regarding the systematics, taxonomy, and conservation statuses of known Aphistogoniulus is available upon request.

Page image (unidentified Spirostreptidae from Cameroon) compliments of MillipedeTrain.