Disappearing Mediterranean dragonflies a bad omen for fresh water
New report concludes that one fifth of dragonflies in the Mediterranean region are threatened with extinction from increasing freshwater scarcity.
By Michael d'EstriesMon, Oct 05 2009 at 4:06 PM EST
Flickr: Ana_Cotta While some people might revel in a world with less insects, scientists know that such a scenario means we're all in deep trouble. Such is the case with the disturbing news that the Mediterranean region is facing a loss of one-fifth of its dragonflies and damselflies populations. These creatures depend on fresh water supplies -- and pollution, climate change, and habitat loss are all threatening their chances. From Scientific American,
The report points out that healthy dragonflies and damselflies are an indication of healthy water supplies. If the insects disappear, it is a sign that local waters are in low supply or are unsafe. "For many countries, water resources are a key issue," according to the report, "and in the southern Mediterranean countries it is estimated that Egypt, Israel, Libya, Malta, Syria and the Gaza Strip, for example, are using more than their renewable water resources (primordial aquifers, for example). About 64 percent of Mediterranean freshwater is used for agriculture."
Of the 13 Mediterranean dragonflies classified as Endangered, nine are native to the region. To find out more, check out the full report available here.
