Odonata as focal taxa for ecological restoration

Abstract

Abstract Anthropogenic impacts on freshwater ecosystems are so extensive that conservation efforts can no longer focus solely on protecting pristine or near-natural sites. Ecological restoration tries to replace, mitigate, or recover losses and damages to biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems. Restoration also aims to create novel habitats and ecosystems that are more resilient to human impacts. Odonates are relatively easy to survey and play important basic and applied ecological roles in aquatic, wetland, and riparian ecosystems, and are therefore a key target for restoring freshwater biodiversity and ecological networks. Many odonate species are sensitive to environmental changes and can be used as indicators of restoration progress or success. Species may also be translocated to accelerate natural colonization and augment populations. Restoration actions are likely to increase globally during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), providing an opportune time to promote a broader restorative culture around odonates.