Keeled Skimmer
VU

Keeled Skimmer

Orthetrum coerulescens

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeled_skimmer

Overview

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

The Keeled Skimmer faces severe population declines across its European range due to the widespread destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland habitats. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution have eliminated many of the shallow, mineral-rich pools and bog margins essential for its reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, causing critical breeding sites to dry up during the species' reproductive season.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Keeled Skimmer inhabits shallow, mineral-rich pools, bog margins, and slow-flowing streams with abundant emergent vegetation. It requires clean, well-oxygenated water with muddy or sandy substrates for larval development and nearby perching sites for adults.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Keeled Skimmer classified as Vulnerable?
Keeled Skimmer is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Keeled Skimmer faces severe population declines across its European range due to the widespread destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland habitats. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution have eliminated many of the shallow, mineral-rich pools and bog margins essential for its reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, causing critical breeding sites to dry up during the species' reproductive season.
Where does Keeled Skimmer live?
Keeled Skimmer occurs in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, and Armenia (plus 62 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Keeled Skimmer?
The main threats to Keeled Skimmer 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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