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Focus on African freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern
Author(s) -
Clausnitzer Viola,
Dijkstra Klaas-Douwe B,
Koch Robert,
Boudot Jean-Pierre,
Darwall William RT,
Kipping Jens,
Samraoui Boudjéma,
Samways Michael J,
Simaika John P,
Suhling Frank
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/110247
Subject(s) - threatened species , dragonfly , geography , ecology , species richness , conservation status , habitat , odonata , biodiversity , biodiversity hotspot , endemism , biology
This is the first continent‐wide overview of insect diversity and status sufficiently fine‐scaled to be used in conservation planning. We analyze patterns of richness and the conservation status of African dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata), commonly referred to as dragonflies, to determine threats to species and freshwater habitats, location of diversity hotspots, necessary conservation actions, and research gaps. Major centers of dragonfly diversity in Africa are tropical forest areas that include highlands. Most threatened species – as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature global Red List – are concentrated in highlands from Kenya to South Africa (together with the Cape Floristic Region), western Africa (including mountains on the Cameroon–Nigeria border), and Ethiopia. Currently available knowledge can be applied throughout Africa's freshwater systems to help minimize or mitigate the impact of future development actions, allowing dragonflies to act as “guardians of the watershed”. The private sector can be advised to safeguard sensitive habitats and species when selecting sites for development. Key sites and species for monitoring can be identified by checking the distribution of threatened species at www.iucnredlist.org .