Update on the geographic distribution of the critically endangered Urothemis edwardsii (Selys, 1849) (Odonata: Libellulidae) in northeastern Algeria

Abstract

Summary. Assessing temporal changes of the distribution of threatened species is paramount for effective management. Threatened species are sensitive to environmental changes and can be extirpated rapidly due to climatic and anthropogenic effects. Here, we monitor the distribution of the locally critically endangered Urothemis edwardsii in northeastern Algeria where the species has been recovering during the last decade after being restricted to a single locality since the 1990s. During the flight seasons in 2018, 2019, and 2021, we conducted field surveys recording the number of males, females, and breeding pairs across 15 sites in northeast Algeria (El Taref province). We found the species at seven sites; reproduction was confirmed at four. In two of the sites, the species was newly recorded but showed no signs of reproduction. We confirmed the maintenance of the reproductive populations that were recently discovered. While the local conservation status of the species is better than that in the 1990s, there are still different threats that need to be addressed and conservation measures that should be implemented or reinforced to ensure maintenance as well as future expansion of the species.