Indicator in the spotlight: Trend in southern European dragonfly species
The indicator ‘Trend in southern dragonfly species’ shows the trend in the number of southern dragonfly species observed in Flanders since 1984. Populations of these species were unknown in north-western Europe until 1980. Under the influence of climate change, southern dragonfly species have spread northwards and some species have become well established here. Both the number of species and the number of locations where each of these southern species can be found have increased significantly since 1984.
Despite the less favourable weather in the spring and summer of 2024, this group of southern dragonflies was observed at many locations in Flanders. The total number of dainty damselflies and southern darters was higher than ever before. The red-veined darter, scarlet dragonfly, lesser emperor and southern skimmer were also observed in particularly high numbers in kilometre squares. All these species appear to be continuing their increase year after year.
Above: dainty damselfly (Shutterstock)
