The hobby falcon's dependence on dragonflies as a primary prey item makes wetland conservation critical for the welfare and breeding success of UK breeding pairs.
Hobby chick welfare depends on adequate dragonfly supply during the peak breeding period. Loss of wetland habitat reduces dragonfly populations, forcing adults to range further for food. Climate change affects dragonfly emergence timing, potentially disrupting synchrony with hobby breeding. Pesticide use that reduces aerial insect populations compounds the food availability challenge.