Scientists’ warning on the need for greater inclusion of dragonflies in global conservation
First published: 15 March 2025
The Royal Entomological Society journal, Insect Conservation and Diversity, has recently published a forum article calling for greater inclusion of dragonflies in global conservation policies and actions. Dragonfly researchers from across the world came together to review the current and future threats to dragonflies, and to identify the actions that could better support global dragonfly conservation.
Corresponding author Charl Deacon (FRES), talks through the research explained in the paper
Dragonflies rely on the aquatic environment as larvae and the terrestrial environment as adults. The threats they face in a changing world are multiple and can affect both life stages. These threats often act together, further exacerbating impact. Localised species, and dragonflies with special habitat requirements are the ones that are most at risk. There are though some species, especially generalist and widespread species, that benefit from moderate human activities, especially the building of ponds.
Dragonflies are well-researched insects, and are important tools, targets, and model organisms for conservation of freshwater habitats and adjacent terrestrial spaces. Knowing the current and future threats, and understanding how dragonflies respond to threats at multiple spatial scales, and management interventions, inform conservation requirements into the future. Dragonflies are sentinels for conservation of freshwater environments, meaning that careful maintenance of dragonfly habitats is highly beneficial to a range of other organisms that are associated with global freshwaters.
The authors propose five action points to promote dragonflies in freshwater and riparian conservation. These actions include expansion of freshwater assessment and monitoring schemes, including dragonflies in ecotoxicological risk assessments as new information becomes available, improving landscape conservation activities, and better integration of dragonflies with other conservation initiatives.
Lastly, and because dragonflies are such iconic and charismatic insects, the authors propose that dragonflies should be integrated with environmental education, encouraging participation by diverse human communities.
Want to be featured in our Journal Highlights?
Shine a spotlight on your research by submitting your papers to any of our seven journals for the chance to be mentioned on our news pages and social media
