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Our
Dragonflies are at risk
Dragonflies are among the most ancient of living creatures.
Fossil records, clearly recognisable as dragonflies, go back
to Carboniferous times which means that they date back almost
300 million years, predating pterodactyls by 100 million years
and birds by some 150 million. It would he tragic if, after
surviving such an unimaginable number of years, it should
be our generation that witnesses the decline of these fascinating
and beautiful insects.
Fortunately dragonflies, with one or two exceptions, are still
fairly numerous in Britain, particularly in the southern counties.
The exceptions generally have a precise set of requirements
and include such rarities as the Norfolk Hawker which still
retains a few toe-holds in Norfolk and Suffolk; the Northern
Damselfly which can be found at a handful of boggy sites in
northern Scotland; the Southern and the Scarce Blue-tailed
Damselflies which still breed in a few marshy areas in south-western
parts of the country. Thanks to the rising awareness of the
dragonfly's plight, to our expanding knowledge of their needs,
and to increasing conservation activity, a number of species
are actually extending their range and this is enormously
encouraging.
The British Dragonfly Society which was formed in 1983 with
these aims:
To promote and encourage the study and conservation of dragonflies
and their natural habitats especially in the United Kingdom.
Contact
Details
If
you would like more information about the British Dragonfly
Society please contact the Secretary.
Dr W H Wain
British Dragonfly Society
The Haywain
Hollywater Road
Bordon
Hants
GU35 0AD
e-mail - thewains@ukonline.co.uk
web - http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk
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