Critical species of Odonata in China

Abstract

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 as critically endangered or endangered in the 2003 IUCN Red List of threatened species, which are known to occur in China, are listed. Lists of Odonata, recommended by the IUCN Odonata Specialist Group as priority species for conservation, are updated to incorporate recently described species from China and Taiwan. Key threats to China’s forest and surface waters are summarised. China has an ambitious programme to establish nature reserves and protect a high proportion of the countries natural resources. A brief account of China’s protected areas and wetland conservation action plan is provided.

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