Libellen der Flora-Fauna-Habitat Richtlinie in Braunschweig (Niedersachsen)

Abstract

Dragonfly records in the city of Braunschweig between 1980 and 2018 were evaluated to provide an overview of the distribution and changes in the population of dragonfly species that are particularly protected by the Habitats Directive (FFH-species). Five FFH-species occurred: Coenagrion mercuriale, Leucorrhinia albifrons, L. caudalis, L. pectoralis, and Ophiogomphus cecilia. Two of these, L. pectoralis and O. cecilia, were recorded since the late 1980s and early 1990s, respectively, and have native populations. In the case of O. cecilia, there was a significant increase in grid cells occupied during the investigation period. In recent years, C. mercuriale and L. caudalis were observed. Leucorrhinia albifrons was observed only once in 2007. The four established or possibly established species are characteristic for four different types of freshwater habitats and thus possible target species for nature conservation. In this work, we report on the development of the occurrences over a period of four decades and we provide information on possible actions to protect and promote these populations.