Project Dragonfly

What can dragonfly populations tell us about the future of our wildlife?

Dragonfly populations are telling us that something is wrong

Dragonflies are considered beautiful symbols of nature and new beginnings. They undergo a total transformation from aquatic larva to aerial insect.

Some rely on multiple generations to complete one migration cycle to and from Canada. They are both voracious predators and important food sources to many other species. And like a canary in a coalmine, they can alert us when something is seriously wrong.

Today, dragonfly populations are telling us that something is wrong. Of the world’s 6,016 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 16 per cent are at risk of extinction. Research shows these are indicator species for biodiversity and our environment—and wetland loss is the leading cause of their woes.

And they are not alone, more than 550 species in Canada rely on wetlands for their survival, from ducks to turtles, frogs, fishes and many more. That’s why we work to save and restore wetlands, for the benefit of Canadian wildlife and humans alike.

What do dragonflies tell us about biodiversity loss?

Canada is known around the globe for our incredible wildlife and wild places. Our wetlands punch above their weight in supporting biodiversity in Canada and beyond.

It’s easy to see that we have an incredible opportunity—and responsibility—to address biodiversity loss first by conserving wetlands.

Though most of Canada’s dragonfly species are not currently in trouble, others around the world are. If Canada continues to lose wetlands and fall short on monitoring habitat loss, we risk the future of these creatures—creating a ripple effect with negative consequences for entire ecosystems.

Wetlands can also help provide balance among the wild species that regularly touch our lives, such as pollinators, biting insects, fish, birds, and of course…dragonflies.

Globally, 40 per cent of species rely on wetlands, including dragonflies
The world’s wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests
A staggering 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970-2015 alone
Canada is home to nearly 25 per cent of the world’s remaining wetlands
In addition to insects like dragonflies, more than 550 wildlife species rely on Canada’s wetlands, including 97 species listed as at-risk
Climate change is driving some species further north with impacts that could be similar to invasive species—creating new competition for Canada’s native dragonflies and wildlife

What do dragonflies mean to people?

Dragonflies are linked to us through both our environment and our culture.

Research shows that the wetland habitats dragonflies depend on do a lot of good for human wellbeing, too. These wetlands:

Help us adapt to climate change by providing a buffer for extreme weather
Help reduce climate change by capturing and storing greenhouse gases
Reduce the severity of both flooding and drought by acting like giant sponges on the landscape
Give us cleaner water by capturing and processing nutrients like phosphorus

For some, the spiritual meaning of dragonflies is significant. Dragonflies can symbolize change, hope, adaptability and new beginnings—a logical connection to the transformation they undergo in metamorphosis, from drab aquatic larva to beautiful adult dragonfly.

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Migrating dragonflies follow similar routes as their great-grandparents. Researchers believe dragonfly migration may be influenced by environmental cues like temperature and daylight. © DUC

Easy ways to help Canada’s wildlife and our environment

Together with our sister organizations in the United States and Mexico, we address habitat conservation at a continental scale—making sure migratory species like ducks and dragonflies find the habitat they need everywhere they go.

Dragonfly populations have adapted and survived for more than 300 million years. Now they are giving us a warning—and we need to respond. The good news is that everyone can make a difference. Here are three easy ways you can help: