Scarce Chaser
Libellula fulva
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
42
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarce_chaser
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Odonata
Family
Libellulidae
Genus
Libellula
Scarce Chaser belongs to the family Libellulidae, order Odonata, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Scarce Chaser faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments, particularly through drainage of shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers for agriculture and development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the quality of remaining aquatic habitats essential for larval development.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Shallow, well-vegetated lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and canals with abundant emergent and floating vegetation. Prefers lowland freshwater habitats with muddy substrates and rich aquatic plant communities that provide hunting perches and breeding sites.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Scarce Chaser faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments, particularly through drainage of shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers for agriculture and development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the quality of remaining aquatic habitats essential for larval development.
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Water pollution from agricultural runoff
Wetland habitat loss and drainage
Climate change affecting water levels
Eutrophication of water bodies
Found in 42 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/scarce-chaser