Dragonflies and damselflies are important ecological indicators whose welfare as sentient invertebrates is uncertain but whose habitat conservation benefits many other species.
The welfare status of dragonflies is uncertain due to limited neurological understanding of Odonata. Their ecological importance as both predators and prey supports biodiversity and the welfare of many other species they interact with. Habitat conservation for dragonfly populations maintains the ecosystem services they provide alongside any welfare consideration for individuals. Creating garden ponds and protecting clean waterways supports dragonfly populations as indicators of healthy aquatic habitats.