Development and validation of microsatellite markers for an endangered dragonfly, Libellula angelina (Odonata: Libellulidae), with notes on population structures and genetic diversity

The Bekko Tombo, Libellula angelina Selys, 1883 (Odonata: Libellulidae), is listed as an endangered species in South Korea, and is classified as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). An assessment of the genetic diversity and population relationships of the species by molecular markers can provide the information necessary…

Local extinctions and range contraction of the endangered Coenagrion mercuriale in North Africa

Freshwater biodiversity is currently threatened worldwide. In North Africa, 24.4% of Odonata are regionally threatened with extinction. In this region, freshwater resources are particularly scarce and an increasing shortage of water is expected. To better understand the current threats to the endangered North African damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale we updated information on extinct and extant populations…

An update on the distribution of threatened odonate species from the Greater Antilles

The Antilles harbour several island endemic odonate species, including some palaeoendemics, within a relatively small and anthropized area. Such attributes give this archipelago a special significance for the conservation of Odonata in the Neotropics. However, despite the importance of these islands, inadequately surveyed regions persist, mainly in the Greater Antilles, and there is not enough…

Critical species of Odonata in China

The state of knowledge of China’s Odonata is very much incomplete with many species awaiting description, especially from tropical and subtropical areas. A brief account is given of new odonate species described from China, including Taiwan, between 2000 and 2003. Information on identification guides, faunal lists and current studies, is provided. Species of Odonata, categorised…

Critical species of Odonata in the Levant

Of the 86 Odonata species so far recorded for the Levant, four are considered as endangered (Calopteryx hyalina, C. syriaca, Ceriagrion georgifreyi, Pseudagrion torridum hulae), six as vulnerable (Coenagrion vanbrinckae, P. sublacteum mortoni, Gomphus kinzelbacbi, Onychogomphus macrodon, Brachythemis fuscopalliata, Crocotbemis sanguinolenta), and two as extinct (Rhyothemis semihyalina syriaca, Urothemis edwardsi hulae). The history of odonatological…

Critical species of Odonata in northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

The region is broadly determined by desert, which forms a huge belt between the western Palaearctic and the Afrotropics. Fourteen out of the 125 odonate species recorded so far are endemics. There are two main centres of endemism in the region: the northern Maghreb and the southern Arabian Peninsula. Odonate habitats in the desert are…

Critical species of Odonata in western Africa

Western Africa—defined as the tropical area from Cameroon westwards—probably has the richest odonate fauna in Africa, particularly the region of (and around) the Cameroon highlands. This region is home to many relict and endemic species, such as the continent’s only representatives of the families Amphipterygidae and Perilestidae. Previous selections of threatened West African Odonata have…

Critical species of Odonata in Australia

The Australian Odonata fauna is reviewed. The state of the current taxonomy and ecology, studies on biodiversity, studies on larvae and the all identification keys are reported. The conservation status of the Australian odonates is evaluated and the endangered species identified. In addition the endemic species, species with unusual biology and species, not threatened yet,…