Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Constanta-Mihaela ION, Ana-Maria MOROȘANU, Elena Iulia IORGU, Ionuț IORGU, Cosmin MANCI, Florența-Elena HELEPCIUC, Georgiana-Roxana NICOARĂ, Constantin-Ciprian BÎRSAN, Minodora MANU, Miruna-Maria ȘTEFĂNUȚ, Tiberiu SAHLEAN, Sorin ȘTEFĂNUȚ
Leucorrhinia pectoralis, listed in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive, is a rare Palaearctic dragonfly species. In Romania, populations have severely declined or disappeared, with the only stable population documented at Pilugani, Suceava County. This population thrived in water bodies formed after peat exploitation, benefiting from the favorable habitat structure. Between 2022–2023, restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating nearby peatland habitats. These efforts included the creation of artificial ponds to support specialized peatland invertebrates. Pilugani was proposed as a Natura 2000 site, covering 10 hectares, with the habitat type “Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration” (code 7120) and Odonata species like L. pectoralis, Sympetrum danae, Coenagrion hastulatum and Lestes virens. However, field visits in 2024 revealed significant habitat destruction at Pilugani due to anthropogenic activities. The soil was plowed, the breeding ponds were covered, threatening the population’s survival. Immediate action is needed to protect L. pectoralis. Priorities include monitoring the population in 2025 and assessing the feasibility of translocating individuals to secure habitats. We give a review on dragonfly translocation and evaluate the methods.
[Read full article] [Citation]
