Abstract
The regionally threatened damselfly Sympecma peadisca is one of the few Central European dragonfly species included is considered as Near Threatened in the European Red list. The major threats to this species remain unclear. This species has a unique life history and several adaptations to enabling survival even in semidesert areas, such as overwintering in the adult stage. However, the closely related, more thermophilic species Sympecma fusca has undergone a major range expansion in Europe. Based on data from 129 sites and combining several analytical approaches, I found the following: 1. According to local freshwater conditions, S. paedisca is a typical habitat generalist occupying a wide range of habitats. 2. It requires a wide range of terrestrial habitats to complete its life cycle. 3. An analysis of the land used by both species clearly indicates that both species avoid intensive agricultural areas; however, S. fusca can also occur in suburban areas, where S. paedisca is absent. 4. Projections of the Least Cost Path analysis indicate that the only localities where the species is currently spreading are habitats arising as a consequence of mining activities. The example of S. paedisca is clear evidence of a freshwater species that responds very negatively to the homogenization of the terrestrial environment, even when its natal habitat is not significantly affected. The frequent occurrence of species in postmining areas suggests that species with complex habitat requirements can find suitable secondary habitats where they can prosper in the long term.
Implications for insect conservation
Even semi-aquatic groups like damselflies can be very sensitive to gradual changes in surrounding land use. Species with very complex habitat requirements also require comprehensive conservation strategies affecting all habitats utilized by the species. However, the return of some landscape features requires a reduction in the area of production areas in favor of hedgerows and ruderals. Such restoration management requires long-term planning and close cooperation with farmers.
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Acknowledgements
I thank Jakub Mráz for help with the least cost path analysis and Kristýna Abrahámová, Adéla Käschnerová, Zuzana Šorová, Kamila Černá and Petra Černochová for their assistance with data collection.
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This research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, grant number CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_026/0008403.
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F.H. compiled all data samples, wrote the main manuscript and prepared all figures.
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We declare that all other manipulations with animals were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines, regulations and ethics. This study was carried out in compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines and with the permission of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.
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Harabiš, F. Post-mining areas as the last area for the expansion of the declining Siberian Winter damselfly (Odonata: Lestidae). J Insect Conserv 27, 707–715 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-023-00491-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-023-00491-x