Wildlife Welfare

Wild UK Dragonfly Welfare and Habitat

UK dragonfly and damselfly populations depend on clean water habitats and face welfare challenges from pollution and habitat loss.

Key Facts

UK has 37 dragonfly and damselfly species with some showing population declines
Clean, unpolluted water with aquatic vegetation is essential for larval development
Some species including the white-faced darter are restricted to a few specialist habitats
Garden ponds provide important refugia and connectivity for more generalist species
Climate change is allowing some southern European species to colonise the UK

Welfare Considerations

Dragonfly welfare at population level depends on water quality and habitat availability. Individual larvae suffer welfare harm from water pollution that degrades their aquatic habitat. Creating and maintaining clean water habitats supports dragonfly welfare and biodiversity.

What You Can Do

Create a wildlife pond in your garden to support dragonfly and damselfly populations
Advocate for clean water standards protecting dragonfly aquatic habitats from agricultural and urban pollution
Support British Dragonfly Society recording and conservation programmes