Onychophora - Conservation Status

Conservation Status

The global conservation status of velvet worm species is difficult to estimate; many species are only known to exist at their type locality (the location at which they were first observed and described). The collection of reliable data is also hindered by low population densities, their typically nocturnal behaviour and possibly also as-yet undocumented seasonal influences and sexual dimorphism.

To date, only eleven species have been studied in sufficient detail to enable population estimates, of which three—Opistopatus roseus, Speleoperipatus spelaeus and Peripatopsis leonina—are considered critically endangered, the last being probably already extinct. Two species—Macroperipatus insularis and Tasmanipatus anophthalmus—are assessed by the IUCN as endangered, while four further species are listed as threatened.

The primary threat comes from destruction and fragmentation of velvet worm habitat due to industrialisation, draining of wetlands and "slash and burn" for agriculture. Many species also have naturally low population densities and closely restricted geographic ranges; as a result, relatively small localised disturbances of important ecosystems can lead to the extinction of entire populations or species. Collection of specimens for universities or research institutes also plays a role on a local scale.

There is a very pronounced difference in the protection afforded to velvet worms between regions: in some countries, such as South Africa, there are restrictions on both collecting and exporting, while in others, such as Australia, only export restrictions exist. Many countries offer no specific safeguards at all. Tasmania has a protection programme that is unique worldwide: one region of forest has its own velvet worm conservation plan, which is tailored to a particular velvet worm species.