The protection of the Natura 2000 species Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1774), protected by Romanian and European legislation, requires knowledge of distribution, threats and conservation status. In Romania the species is protected in only 9 Natura 2000 areas of the 442 SCI declared until 2021. All the protected areas in which the species is mentioned are located along the Carpathian Arch except ROSCI0135 Pădurea Bârnova – Repedea located in the Central Moldavian Plateau. The identification of the species in ROSCI0045 Coridorul Jiului brings new data about the distribution of the species and its conservation status. Observations on the species in larval stage were made by direct searches in specific habitats in the protected area. In the months of May, August and September 2022, Cucujus cinnaberinus was identified in several points along the protected area: Dăbuleni on poplar wood in the Danube River meadow, Foișor on poplar wood in the Jiului meadow, Bratovoești in ploplar wood of the former channels of the meanders Jiului River, Calopăr on ash wood from the Dâlga valley and Turburea on alder wood in the Gilortului meadow. The identification of Cucujus cinnaberinus Natura 2000 species requires further monitoring at the site and the implementation of appropriate protection and conservation measures.

Observations carried out in May-September 2022 in CoridorulJiului, a Natura 2000 area located in the south-western part of Romania, highlighted 16 species of Cerambycidae beetles. The landscape, local climate and forest management impact the diversity and distribution of these species in the site. All species have been listed on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, of which, Cerambyx cerdo, Rosalia alpina and Morimus asper funereus are also included in the Natura 2000 network. Five species were recorded for the first time in this area. Furthermore, another species noted, Isotomus speciosus, is a rare species in many European countries. The saproxylic character of these beetles makes them an essential participant within the forest ecosystem, which is why a responsible management of the forests in the Coridorul Jiului area is necessary to maintain the populations of these coleopterans on a stable trend.