EN

Problematic Flasher

Aethiothemis gamblesi

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Aethiothemis gamblesi faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in West Africa. Deforestation and wetland drainage for rice cultivation and palm oil plantations have eliminated critical breeding sites. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities further compromises the aquatic environments essential for larval development. Climate change-induced alterations to rainfall patterns threaten the seasonal water bodies this dragonfly depends upon for reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This dragonfly inhabits forest-fringed streams, seasonal pools, and wetland margins in West African tropical forests. Adults require shaded waterways with emergent vegetation for perching and hunting, while larvae develop in slow-moving or still waters with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Forest· majorSavanna· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in LIBELLULIDAE

EN

Desert Basker

Urothemis thomasi

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EN

Brachygonia ophelia

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EN

Diplacina holgerhungeri

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EN

Diplacina guentherpetersi

Declining

Threatened in Congo - Brazzaville

VU

Nothobranchius chochamandai

Unknown
VU

Nothobranchius ditte

Unknown
EN

Nothobranchius flagrans

Unknown
Slaty EgretVU

Slaty Egret

Egretta vinaceigula

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Problematic Flasher classified as Endangered?
Problematic Flasher is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Aethiothemis gamblesi faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in West Africa. Deforestation and wetland drainage for rice cultivation and palm oil plantations have eliminated critical breeding sites. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities further compromises the aquatic environments essential for larval development. Climate change-induced alterations to rainfall patterns threaten the seasonal water bodies this dragonfly depends upon for reproduction.
Where does Problematic Flasher live?
Problematic Flasher occurs in Congo - Brazzaville, Congo - Kinshasa, and Zambia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Problematic Flasher?
The main threats to Problematic Flasher are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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