Conservation

Threats include habitat destruction and over collection for the pet trade. Their long gestation periods and slow levels of reproduction mean that populations take a long time to recover from damage.

Many countries control the import of scorpions. Some animal species have naturalised in various countries. Because there are no existing predators these imported animals may thrive in new areas. The possibility of importing potentially fatally venomous scorpions also exists. In some cases these scorpions are imported illegally without knowledge of the species. A sting from some species is enough to kill a child within hours.

Many countries also have export legislation to control the exportation of scorpions. Export permits are necessary in order to legally export these animals. Illegal exportation of not only scorpions but all animals and plants is a huge problem. Such illicit activities damage wild populations and further reduce the number of populations.

CITES permits are needed in order to trade internationally in certain species. These species have been identified as being threatened due to the demand for the pet trade. Many of these species originate from poor countries that have been exploited to an extent where local indigenous populations need protection. European countries and the USA represent the main centres of demand for these creatures.

Habitat destruction is an important threat to many species. Although some scorpions species are distributed across a wide area of varying habitat, many live in very specific habitats. These narrow habitats provide an ecological niche in which the scorpion species thrive. Take away these habitats and the scorpion has no place to live. Examples include Hadogenes spp, that specifically inhabit mountain ranges and rocky outcrops. Commercial activities such as mining and urbanisation reduce their distribution and isolate populations.