Scarce Green Lestes
VU

Scarce Green Lestes

Lestes dryas

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Scarce Green Lestes faces severe population declines primarily due to the destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding habitats. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water management practices have eliminated many of the shallow, temporary pools and marshy areas essential for reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, which disrupts the delicate hydrological cycles these dragonflies depend upon for successful breeding.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits shallow, temporary pools, marshy areas, and slow-flowing streams with abundant emergent vegetation. It particularly favors ephemeral wetlands that dry seasonally, creating the specific conditions needed for egg development and larval survival.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Scarce Green Lestes classified as Vulnerable?
Scarce Green Lestes 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 Scarce Green Lestes faces severe population declines primarily due to the destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding habitats. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water management practices have eliminated many of the shallow, temporary pools and marshy areas essential for reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, which disrupts the delicate hydrological cycles these dragonflies depend upon for successful breeding.
Where does Scarce Green Lestes live?
Scarce Green Lestes occurs in Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, and Azerbaijan (plus 45 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 Scarce Green Lestes?
The main threats to Scarce Green Lestes 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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