Species of the Day: Bulgarian Emerald
© Vincent Kalkman
Species of the Day: Bulgarian Emerald The Bulgarian Emerald, Somatochlora borisi, is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. Compared to other groups of insects, dragonflies are relatively well-known, so it was therefore a surprise when this previously unknown species was discovered in Europe in 2001. Geographical range
www.iucnredlist.org Help Save Species www.arkive.org
The Bulgarian Emerald is confined to large brooks and small rivers in the hills of southeast Bulgaria, eastern Greece and European Turkey. This beautiful area is still largely undisturbed and is mainly used for extensive wood production and the traditional rearing of goats and sheep. However, the development of Robinia pseudacacia plantations may reduce the availability of maturation and foraging areas for the species. Recent prolonged spells of hot and dry weather have also led to the desiccation of brooks and rivers. The expected increased impact of climate change is likely to put further pressure on this species. Necessary conservation actions include the control of water pollution, removal of conifer plantations and conservation of clear riparian forests. Two rivers inhabited by this species are included in the Greek national Dadia Protected Area buffer zone.
Species of the Day is sponsored by
The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership: IUCN (including the Species Survival Commission), BirdLife International, Conservation International, NatureServe and Zoological Society of London.
Species of the Day: Bulgarian Emerald The Bulgarian Emerald, Somatochlora borisi, is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. Compared to other groups of insects, dragonflies are relatively well-known, so it was therefore a surprise when this previously unknown species was discovered in Europe in 2001. Geographical range
www.iucnredlist.org Help Save Species www.arkive.org
The Bulgarian Emerald is confined to large brooks and small rivers in the hills of southeast Bulgaria, eastern Greece and European Turkey. This beautiful area is still largely undisturbed and is mainly used for extensive wood production and the traditional rearing of goats and sheep. However, the development of Robinia pseudacacia plantations may reduce the availability of maturation and foraging areas for the species. Recent prolonged spells of hot and dry weather have also led to the desiccation of brooks and rivers. The expected increased impact of climate change is likely to put further pressure on this species. Necessary conservation actions include the control of water pollution, removal of conifer plantations and conservation of clear riparian forests. Two rivers inhabited by this species are included in the Greek national Dadia Protected Area buffer zone.
Species of the Day is sponsored by
The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership: IUCN (including the Species Survival Commission), BirdLife International, Conservation International, NatureServe and Zoological Society of London.
