Current status
This globally threatened damselfly breeds in heathland streams and runnels and, more rarely, rhos pasture, chalk streams and calcareous mires. It has a restricted distribution in continental Europe, where its centre of population is the south west, and it can also be found in North Africa. It is threatened throughout most of its range.
This damselfly has suffered a 30% decline in its UK distribution since 1960. Since 1980 it has been recorded from 24 ten km squares in Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Mid Glamorgan, the Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey, with the largest populations being in the New Forest and Pembrokeshire.
This species is listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is listed as Rare in the GB Red List.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of suitable habitat due to lack of appropriate heathland management, including reduced grazing and over-deepening of shallow breeding streams.
Drainage and dredging of breeding sites.
Current action
Some management work has been carried out by RSPB and NE on sites in Devon and Dorset. Monitoring is being undertaken at some English sites.
Studies on the biology of this species are being carried out by members of the British Dragonfly Society.
Surveys of current and former sites in Devon and Dorset were funded by NE in 1994.
Six sites have been proposed as SACs under the EC Habitats Directive.
The species is currently being considered for full protection under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981.
Action plan objectives and targets
Ensure all UK populations are in favourable condition
Maintain the (1995) UK range preventing further loss of sites in England and Wales
Increase the (1995) UK range by encouraging re-establishment of 5 former sites by 2005
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Encourage the uptake of beneficial land management schemes on land adjacent to occupied sites, including design (or cessation) of drainage schemes, and other agri-environmental measures. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Consider notifying additional sites with large breeding centres as SSSIs. (ACTION: CCW)
Encourage the sympathetic management of all occupied and nearby sites, especially appropriate grazing management. (ACTION: CCW, NE, LAs)
Ensure that, where possible, the hydrology of occupied sites remains favourable. (ACTION: NRA)
Species management and protection
Following further survey and identification of suitable sites, seek to re-establish populations at five former sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Advisory
Ensure relevant land owners, managers and all others involved in the management of sites which support this species are aware of its presence and rarity, and appropriate methods of habitat management for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, NE, NRA)
Future Research and Monitoring
Encourage further research into the damselfly’s ecological requirements throughout its range in England and Wales, especially to identify precise habitat requirements and appropriate re-introduction techniques. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Promote regular monitoring of extant sites, seeking to identify any further threats to the species. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and status of this species with European partners, and use the information and expertise gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Provide information annually to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global red lists. (ACTION: JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Use this species to promote awareness of the importance of heathland, chalk streams and mire habitats to species conservation. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p132)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species