Like Canaries in a Coal Mine, Dragonflies Signal Threats to Freshwater Ecosystems – Inside Climate News

Growing Threats to Freshwater Biodiversity: Dragonflies and Damselflies as Sentinels

In gauging the growing threats to freshwater biodiversity, dragonflies and damselflies are viewed by ecologists as sentinels, reacting to threats by seeking out more stable homes. In a new study, researchers report that many of these aquatic insects are likely to begin relocating in coming decades as climate change makes their habitats warmer and drier.

The Study: Changes in Distribution of Dragonflies and Damselflies

The study, published in the journal Diversity and Distribution, focuses on potential changes in the distribution of dragonflies and damselflies in Central and Western Asia and the Middle East. Using computer modeling, scientists plotted the distribution of 159 species spanning 24 countries, comparing a snapshot of their presence today with projections for the years 2070 and 2100. Their findings have broad implications for freshwater ecosystems.

Implications for Freshwater Ecosystems

While none of the species studied are expected to disappear solely because of climate change, according to the study, the researchers found that some species of both dragonflies and damselflies are likely to be driven to near-extinction by 2100 as a result of both climate patterns and ongoing human actions that degrade their habitats. Those human impacts can range from changes in water flow because of damming or irrigation to the introduction of invasive species and the overexploitation of species.

Case Study: Onychogomphus macrodon

The researchers pointed to Onychogomphus macrodon, for example—a dragonfly better known as the Levant pincertail, native to Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey—as a victim of human actions, including dam construction, gravel mining, and water pollution. Dragonflies are keystone species integral to the freshwater system as a predator and prey. The study aims to identify potential future changes and protect these species.

Projected Changes in Biodiversity

The researchers found that dragonflies and damselfly species in Azerbaijan, Cyprus, western and southern Turkey, and the Levant will probably experience a decline in biodiversity by 2070 and 2100, whereas an increase is anticipated in Armenia, eastern Turkey, and eastern Central Asia. The most species-rich areas are expected to suffer the greatest declines: 20 to 30 percent in parts of western Turkey, the Levant, the southern Caucasus, and northern Iran.

Impact of Climate Change on Freshwater Habitats

Most of the areas studied are expected to become warmer and drier, resulting in freshwater habitats disappearing or desiccating in the warmest, driest part of the year. Some larger rivers in the south of Turkey may decrease in size due to reduced snow at higher altitudes. However, dragonflies and damselflies are expected to gain territory in eastern and northeastern Turkey, the mountain regions of Central Asia and Afghanistan, and the Arabian Peninsula. A rise in precipitation will yield benefits, spurring greater biodiversity even in the Arabian Peninsula’s southern half.

The Ideal Test Species

Dragonflies and damselflies are viewed as ideal candidates for modeling the biodiversity and health of freshwater ecosystems because of their rapid development, broad range of species, and ease of identification. They will clearly be affected by climate change. Some species can survive periodical droughts by being in the egg stage when the habitat runs dry or by flying away to a habitat with water. However, most species do not fare well with droughts, particularly those that depend on steadily flowing water.

A Double-Edged Sword

While the number of species in some regions will climb as a result of climate patterns, an increase in biodiversity is not necessarily a good thing when it involves the introduction of nonnative varieties. The shift could lead to the loss of regional character. It is important to design a “future-proof” network of nature reserves that include the main freshwater systems in those countries. Governments could create national monitoring systems for freshwater biodiversity and share information on a regional scale to better understand the impact of their policies. Joint efforts could determine whether some species might be able to colonize new habitats before their old ones become unlivable.

Conclusion

Climate change poses significant threats to freshwater biodiversity, particularly dragonflies and damselflies. The study highlights the need for proactive measures to protect these species and their habitats. By incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into conservation efforts, governments can work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve freshwater ecosystems for future generations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the threats to freshwater biodiversity, particularly the impact of climate change on dragonflies and damselflies. These threats are directly connected to SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. The article also highlights the role of climate change in driving the relocation of these species, linking to SDG 13, which focuses on climate action. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of dragonflies and damselflies as keystone species in freshwater ecosystems, aligning with SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

The article emphasizes the need to protect and restore water-related ecosystems, such as rivers and lakes, to ensure the survival of dragonflies and damselflies. This aligns with Target 6.6 under SDG 6. The article also highlights the importance of integrating climate change measures into policies and planning, which corresponds to Target 13.2 under SDG 13. Lastly, the article emphasizes the need to take urgent action to prevent the extinction of threatened species, including dragonflies and damselflies, supporting Target 15.5 under SDG 15.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Changes in the distribution of dragonflies and damselflies in Central and Western Asia and the Middle East.
• Decline in biodiversity of dragonflies and damselflies in certain regions by 2070 and 2100.
• Increase in biodiversity of dragonflies and damselflies in other regions by 2070 and 2100.
• Changes in freshwater habitats, including disappearance or desiccation.

The article mentions the use of computer modeling to project the future distribution of dragonflies and damselflies. These models can serve as indicators to measure changes in the distribution of these species over time. The article also discusses the potential decline in biodiversity in certain regions and the increase in biodiversity in other regions, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the targets. Additionally, the article mentions the changes expected in freshwater habitats, such as disappearance or desiccation, which can be used as indicators to assess the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: insideclimatenews.org

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