Dragonflies in the Australian environment: taxonomy, biology and conservation

The Australian dragonfly fauna includes slightly more than 100 species of Zygoptera and almost 200 of Anisoptera; there are two endemic families and one subfamily, and a high degree of endemism at generic and specific levels. Gondwana elements make up at least 15% and perhaps as much as 40% of the fauna, whereas 40% are of northern origin, with a lower degree of endemism. Most of the southern species breed in permanent flowing water, mainly along the eastern seaboard, with some in the north, north-west and south-west. The northern dragonflies penetrate southern Australia to a variable degree, principally along the east coast. Adult dragonflies occur throughout the arid inland; most are opportunistic wanderers. None has a drought-resistant larva, although drought-resistant and terrestrial larvae occur elsewhere in Australia. The conservation of Australia Odonata involves problems arising from habitat destruction or the alienation of fresh waters for human consumption or agriculture. Pollution does not threaten any Australian species of dragonfly, although it may affect local dragonfly faunas; adults and larvae of appropriately chosen species can serve to monitor water quality.