The Vienna Zoo said it had recorded 450 beetle species in its diverse habitat.

In addition to rhinos, wolves, and tigers, the world's oldest zoo is said to be home to a diverse array of beetles, including wasp beetles and weevils.

Since late 2022, the zoo has been researching which of the estimated 8,000 native beetle species inhabit its grounds.

The zoo has been monitoring its native insect fauna since 2021, previously surveying wild bees and dragonflies. This year, butterflies are the focus.

A documentation of 450 beetle species was recorded during the survey, including rare and strictly protected beetles.

Notably, sightings of the Alpine Longhorn Beetle, the Hermit Beetle, and the Golden Green Oak Splendour Beetle were made.

The Alpine Longhorn Beetle was observed, among other places, at the Tirolerhof.

Throughout the EU, this striking blue beetle is considered endangered.

Zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck said: 'The fact that the Golden Green Oak Splendour Beetle has found a habitat in the zoo is sensational.

'It has been known as a relic of the primaeval forest at only four locations in Austria for decades. Such evidence shows that our efforts to provide attractive habitats for native species are bearing fruit.'

The elaborate survey was financially supported by the Austrian Lotteries.

Beetles inhabit various habitats—from forests to flowering shrubs to waters. Therefore, various trapping methods were employed, including funnel traps in the treetops, nocturnal light sources, and examining tree trunks.

A remarkable diversity of wood-inhabiting beetles, such as the stag beetle, lives in the forest on the way to the Tirolerhof.

Beetle expert Alexander Dostal, who conducted the survey, said: 'This is only possible because many dead trees, at least as trunks, are deliberately left standing in the zoo. These serve as substrates for beetle larvae. This will be necessary in the future to preserve some of the rare species here.'

The recommendations formulated from the survey will be incorporated into the gardening work at the zoo.