Welfare of Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are declining across Britain due to habitat loss and climate change, raising questions about invertebrate welfare and the ecological costs of their disappearance.

Key Facts

Britain has 57 species of dragonfly and damselfly, of which 42 breed regularly
Several species have expanded northward due to climate change while others are declining
Key threats include drainage of wetlands, pollution, and loss of traditional water management
The white-faced darter and Norfolk hawker are among the most endangered UK species
Dragonflies are apex invertebrate predators, controlling mosquito and gnat populations
Dragonfly nymphs spend 1-5 years as aquatic larvae before emerging as adults
The British Dragonfly Society monitors populations and advocates for habitat protection

Welfare Considerations

The welfare significance of dragonfly decline extends beyond individual suffering to ecosystem function. Dragonflies are sentient invertebrates whose complex predatory behaviours suggest a degree of experiential awareness. More concretely, their decline as indicators of clean water habitat reflects deteriorating conditions affecting thousands of other aquatic species. Conservation of dragonfly habitat - clean, unpolluted water bodies with emergent vegetation and buffering from agricultural runoff - is a high-leverage intervention that benefits entire freshwater ecosystems and the welfare of all species within them.

What You Can Do

Create or restore a garden pond to provide dragonfly breeding habitat
Avoid using pesticides near water bodies that serve as dragonfly habitats
Support the British Dragonfly Society's recording and conservation work
Advocate for river and wetland restoration schemes in your area
Report dragonfly sightings through iRecord to contribute to population monitoring