black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Ecologically broadscoped insect,
inhabiting slow-running and vegetation- rich localities of the rhithral, and, most of all
lakes, marshes and flooded estuary zones of rivers (limnal). Those habitats in the
Black Sea coastal region, situated in or near urbanized or otherwise polluted sites
should be considered critical. Important limiting factors are also the drying-up of
coastal marshes, industrial and anthropogenic water pollution, as well as the draining
and realignment of the upper courses of rivers.
Biology. Larvae phytophilous, living in stagnant or slow running water, rich in
aquatic vegetation. Adults occur from V to X. Active predators in all stages. Life
cycle two years. Excellent fliers, that can sometimes be observed far away from
water.
Population trends. Although widespread, the species never occurs in large numbers,
thus appearing rare rather than common. A decline in abundance during recent
decades has been observed in Black Sea coastal regions adjacent to sites with
intensive tourism and resort urbanization.
Threats. Worsening quality of stagnant basins due to industrial and household water
pollution, with resulting degradation of phyto- and zoocoenoses.
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures proposed. Include Anax imperator in list of vulnerable
animal species of Black Sea region.
References
Beschovski, V., 1964a. Dragonflies (Odonata) from S-Bulgaria. Bull. Inst. zool.
Mus. Sofia 15: 115-129.
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