Conservation of dragonflies and damselflies: threats, needs, and strategies
C. Mazzacano Odonates at Risk
About as many species of odonates as birds, but receive much less research and conservation attention
Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster dorsalis); Hugo Cobos) Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster dorsalis); Hugo Cobos
Striped Meadowhawk (Sympetrum pallipes); C. Mazzacano) Sierra Madre Dancer (Argia lacrimans); C. Mazzacano) Odonates at Risk Many species have disappeared from water bodies worldwide
American Rubyspot (Hetaerina cruentata), C. Mazzacano Odonates at Risk
Still discovering new species, county records, and distributions
Kalkman et al., Global diversity of dragonflies (Odonata) in freshwater
Sarracenia Spiketail (Cordulegaster sarracenia), Troy Hibbetts Odonate Conservation Status
Fr eshwat er M ussel s 69% Cr ayf i shes 51% St onef l i es 43%
Fr eshwat er Fi shes 37% Amphibians 36% Flowering Plants 33%
Gymnosperms 24% Fer ns/ Fer n A l l i es 22% T i ger Beet l es 19% Presumed/Possibly Extinct (GX/GH) Butterflies/Skippers 19% Critically Imperiled (G1) Rept i l es 18% I mper i l ed (G2) Vul ner abl e (G3) D r agonf l i es/ D amsel f l i es 18% M ammal s 16%
Birds 14% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Per cent of Speci es
Precious Heritage (2000), TNC, NatureServe
Odonate Conservation Status
Dragonflies/Damselflies 18%
5952 odonate species globally (Schorr & Paulson, 2013)
463 odonate species in North America (Schorr & Paulson, 2013)
89 “threatened” odonate species in U.S. and Canada (Nature Serve 2013)
Hine’s Emerald (Somatochlora hineana); Kathryn Kirk, WDNR Odonate Conservation Status
5 presumed or possibly extinct
21 critically imperiled
23 imperiled
40 vulnerable
Pacific Hawaiian Damselfly (Megalagrion pacificum); USFWS National Digital Library 6 species listed under ESA: Hine’s Emerald, 5 Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies
2 species listed under SARA: Rapids Clubtail & Pygmy Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly (Megalagrion nesiotes; USFWS National Digital Library Snaketail Why should we care?
Large, beautiful, charismatic
Claret Pondhawk (Erythemis mithroides), C. Mazzacano
“Poster child” for aquatic insects and habitats
Carmine Skimmer (Orthemis discolor); C. Mazzacano Why should we care?
Important link between terrestrial and aquatic food webs
Nymph eating backswimmer, NatureUpClose
Nymphs can be top predators in fishless wetlands
Meadowhawk eating mosquito; K. Redmond, UWI-Milwaukee Why should we care?
Eaten by birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals
Rich in fat and protein
Great Kiskadee eating Common Green Darner; Dennis Paulson Provide essential amino acids lacking in plants and seeds
Western Fence Lizard eating Common Whitetail; Dennis Paulson Why should we care?
Bear Creek, CA; C. Mazzacano Collins, CO; C. Mazzacano Biotope characterization different types of habitats have characteristic species assemblages
Springer Lake Bog, WA; C. Mazzacano Plant bog, NY; C. Mazzacano Why should we care? Biological indicators changes in abundance and species composition in response to human disturbance
Crystal Springs Creek, Portland OR; C. Mazzacano Why should we care? Heavy metal detection dragonfly nymphs being used to assess mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems
http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Studies/air_toxics/dragonfly/index.cfm Why should we care? Model organisms to study effects of climate change Why should we care?
Cultural and aesthetic value Threats to odonates Habitat fragmentation Sedimentation Habitat loss & degradation Introduced species Heavy metals Eutrophication
Hydrologic Pesticides Ophiogomphus colubrinus; alterations C. Mazzacano
Global climate Unregulated change grazing
Celeste Mazzacano Threats to odonates Global climate change natural ? overwintering migration enemies
? disease precipitation
range prey changes
Red-tailed Pennant (Brachymesia furcata), C. Mazzacano ? ? habitat parasites Challenges for conservation Increasing demand for fresh water Multiple impacts in watersheds
Mississippi River, Minneapolis MN; C. Mazzacano Challenges for conservation
Insects not “charismatic”
Less public awareness
Less appreciation of roles in freshwater habitats
Lincoln Park, Chicago IL; Celeste Mazzacano Challenges for conservation
But it doesn’t have to be that way!!!!!
Interpretive sign developed by BLM at Cowboy Camp, Bear Creek, CA, in conjunction with Kathy & Dave Biggs; C. Mazzacano
Natural or constructed ponds are important environmental education tools
Lincoln Park Boardwalk, Chicago IL; C. Mazzacano Challenges for conservation
Knowledge gaps in life history and needs
States/provinces may not include odonates in conservation plans
Populations may decline past recovery
Tadpole Pond, Portland OR; C.Alexa Mazzacano Carleton Conservation strategies
Map essential habitat
Assess current vs. historic distribution
Location of Hine’s Emerald sites investigated in Door County Conservation strategies
Fill knowledge gaps (life history, taxonomy, distribution, trends, threats)
Obtain protection for threatened species
Develop recovery and management plans
Hine’s Emerald (Somatochlora hineana), John Abbott Hine’s Emerald, John Abbott Conservation strategies
Protect, conserve, and restore aquatic and upland habitats
C. Mazzacano
Tanner Springs Park, Portland OR; C. Mazzacano C. Mazzacano Conservation strategies
Increase public knowledge, awareness, and appreciation
Brianna Borders
Celeste Mazzacano Questions?
Little Blue Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax minuscula), C. Mazzacano