Dragonflies have been in existence for at least 200 million years as members of the global ecosystem, but today human activity poses grave threats to their continued survival. The BDS is strongly committed to the conservation of these important and beautiful insects and acknowledges that dragonflies have the right to exist independently of human requirements. The Society promotes the study of dragonflies in ways that minimise interference with their behaviour and ecology.
- Destruction of habitats and pollution are much the most important causes of damage to dragonfly populations. Although rarely a major issue, inappropriate collecting of dragonflies can be harmful, hence the need for this Code.
- The main concern is to prevent significant damage to populations, especially those of rare and vulnerable species. Nonetheless, a balance has to be struck between conservation of the one hand, and encouraging study and the growth of knowledge on the other. For example, if children are not allowed to collect at all, they may be less likely to engage with dragonflies, and thence may not develop concerns about their conservation; equally, some recording activities and scientific research projects may legitimately require the taking of specimens.
The BDS viewpoint on collecting is set out in the principles and guidelines below. In all instances, care must be taken not to jeopardise populations - locally or nationally. (See the Appendix to this Code for guidance on status).
Principle 1: Live dragonflies should only be held captive for good reasons.
Identification is not always straightforward, and sometimes requires close inspection, but it can often be achieved by observation, photography and by collecting exuviae (larval skins), especially in countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland where much is known about the dragonfly fauna, and good identification guides exist.
Live material of any stage might reasonably be required for such purposes as: breeding and other scientific studies; for demonstration purposes (e.g. at Field Meetings or for brief educational display); for photography/filming for publication, film or exhibition work; introductions and translocations for conservation purposes.
Guidelines:
| 1.1 | Live material should be collected under the supervision of experienced individuals. Release back should always be into sites at which the species occurs (except in the case of authorised translocations). |
| 1.2 | For close inspection, it is possible, with care, to capture adult and larval dragonflies, examine them and release them undamaged. They should be released where they were caught as soon as possible afterwards. |
| 1.3 | Following longer-term projects, such as captive rearing, specimens should be returned to the wild whenever possible, at appropriate sites, in appropriate numbers and at suitable seasons. |
Principle 2: Dragonflies should only be killed when a justifiable and useful purpose is served thereby.
Purposes for which it is acceptable for dragonflies to be killed:
| a) | When voucher specimens of adults or larvae are needed to ensure the accurate identification of a difficult or very unusual species (and especially when alternatives such as field notes and/or photographs would not suffice). |
| b) | When specimens are necessary to well-planned and justifiable scientific research and survey projects. |
Guidelines:
| 2.1 | Voucher specimens: in any one instance a single specimen, male if possible, will often suffice. Such specimens should be permanently deposited in public collections whenever possible. |
| 2.2 | Scientific research and survey projects: the ultimate deposition of research specimens and associated documentation in an appropriate public institution may be expected to be a part of such plans. The Dragonfly Conservation Group of BDS should also be informed. |
Voucher (or proof) specimens provide permanent physical evidence. They enable identifications to be reconsidered by experts at different times, and in the light of developing knowledge.
TopGeneral points to be Observed in fieldwork
The following have been adapted from the Code for Insect Collecting formulated by the Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Insects in 1972, and still current:
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Observe relevant rules and regulations: collecting must not be carried out in contravention of any national Law, International Convention or Directive on conservation of species or habitats applying to the area. Similarly, local Bye-laws and rules affecting collecting on nature reserves and protected areas must be observed. |
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Do not take more specimens than are strictly necessary for any purpose. |
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Do not collect numbers of one species year after year from the same locality. |
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Always seek permission from the landowner or occupier when working on private land. Conditions laid down by the grantors of permission must always be complied with. |
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Supply details of the species noted, and any other relevant data, to those responsible for managing sites when collecting on nature reserves or other sites of conservation interest. |
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Be sensitive to the environmental damage which fieldwork may cause. Aquatic vegetation which has been worked for larvae should not be left on the bank, but should be replaced in the water; the needs of other organisms (e.g. fragile vegetation, nesting birds and rare species generally) must be carefully considered, as must the interests of other users and occupiers of the countryside. |
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Exercise discretion when passing on, or making public the location of rare and vulnerable species. |
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Avoid collecting of specimens (other than exuviae) for exchange or disposal to other collectors, or for commercial purposes (e.g. for use in manufacture of decorative artefacts). |
Collecting in public
Whenever collecting is done in front of an audience (for example, the Press and Media, a BDS Field Meeting, or simply those assembled to watch), there is potential for adverse reaction. The causes of such reactions will vary from simple misunderstandings to deeply held beliefs and other highly personal agendas. In an era of rapid mass communications, adverse public relations could quickly damage BDS and are therefore best avoided wherever possible.
Guidelines:
| 1 | The reasons for any collecting activity should always be made clear. If the opportunity to ensure audience empathy is not available under the particular circumstances (for example, when an activity is being filmed without commentary), always consider the wisdom of collecting at such a time. |
| 2 | If you are acting on behalf of BDS (or are likely to be seen as such), the best interests of the Society as a national conservation body should be the over-riding consideration. |
Advice on the interpretation of this Code
Please contact the Convenor of the Society's Dragonfly Conservation Group, (currently: Dr Pam Taylor, Decoy Farm, Decoy Road, Potter Heigham, Norfolk, NR29 5LX).
Review
This Code is commended as best practice by the Board of the British Dragonfly Society and will be subject to review at least once every five years. (Next review: by November 2003).
TopAPPENDIX to Code of Practice on collecting dragonflies (1998): the legal and conservation status of dragonflies in the United Kingdom
Species totally protected in the U.K. under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are the Norfolk Hawker (Anaciaeschna isosceles) and the Southern Damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale): collecting them is illegal. As a globally threatened and declining species, C. mercuriale is the only dragonfly on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1995) 'Short List' - the highest conservation priority. (The Norfolk Damselfly (Coenagrion armatum) and the Dainty Damselfly (C. scitulum) are all considered extinct in the British Isles. If re-found, they would require high levels of protection).
Only two British species (Southern Damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale and Orange-spotted Emerald Oxygastra curtisii) are listed in the 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. This is the World List. Both species are listed as Vulnerable. Moore (1997) provides a world conservation overview for dragonflies, with further useful references. The Red Data Book listings given below apply only to Britain. Despite use of a lowest risk category of 'Rare', these are based on the perceived threat to survival, not just rarity as such. The categories are defined in the current RDB (Shirt, 1987):
| Endangered: | Norfolk Hawker Anaciaeschna isosceles |
| Vulnerable: | Northern Damselfly Coenagrion hastulatum Scarce Emerald Damselfly Lestes dryas |
| Rare: | Southern Damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale Northern Emerald Somatachlora arctica Scarce Chaser Libellula fulva |
The last four species listed above, and the following, fall under a standard definition of 'Nationally Scarce' in Britain (occurring in 16-100 10km national grid squares):
| Small Red Damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum Azure Hawker Aeshna caerulea Downy Emerald Cordulia aenea (at upper limit) Brilliant Emerald Somatochlora metallica Club-tailed Dragonfly Gomphus vulgatissimus White-faced Darter Leucorrhinia dubia |
In Northern Ireland, the Irish Damselfly (Coenagrion lunulatum) occurs uniquely within the UK. Although its status is not fully worked out, it is best treated as at least a Vulnerable species. The Hairy Hawker (Brachytron pratense), Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens) and Black-tailed Skimmer (0. cancellatum) are also uncommon or rare in the Province.
Migrant species from adjacent geographical areas (such as, at present, the Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolumbei,) in England) may establish small temporary or permanent breeding footholds at any time. Whilst doing so they must be regarded as scarce species, deserving protection.
Useful reference sources:
Merritt. R., Moore, N.W. & Eversham, B.C. 1996. Atlas of The Dragonflies of Britain and Ireland. London: HMSO.
Moore, NW. (compiler). 1997. Dragonflies - Status Survey and Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Odonata Specialist Group. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge UK: IUCN.
Shirt, D.B. 1987. British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Peterborough: Nature Conservancy Council.
UK legislation advice:
Contact: Dr I F G McLean, JNCC, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 1JY. (E-mail: mclean_i@jncc.gov.uk)