The National Dragonfly Atlas – 2008 to 2013
The Dragonflies in Focus Project, including the National Dragonfly Atlas was launched with Chris Packham on 24th April 2008 at the Natural History Museum. The aim of this project is to update the known distribution of British dragonfly and damselfly species over the next 5 years, culminating in the publication of a new national atlas in 2013. More information on this project can be found on the National Atlas page of the British Dragonfly Society website.
How can you help ?
There are three key tasks that need to be completed during the recording phase of the National Atlas.
Task one
The first is to re-confirm all 10km squares with historical records prior to the year 2000. Below are the current distribution maps for all species recorded in Yorkshire. The dark blue squares confirm that the relevant species has been recorded since the year 2000. The light blue squares represent areas with historical records that need to be re-confirmed to update the Atlas. Squares with no records need to be visited to confirm if the relevant species is either present or absent.
Task two
Under recorded areas also need to be visited. The species density map below shows the number of species recorded within each 10km square since the year 2000. The current diversity threshold for Yorkshire is set at 8 species. All white and blue squares currently have less than eight species recorded since the year 2000. Effort should be made to record species in the areas so that they at least reach the required threshold for Yorkshire.
Task three
Whilst recording the presence of species it is also important to make note of any breeding activity. Currently less than 10% of records submitted detail any breeding activity. Confirmation of breeding is a valuable tool when it comes to conserving specific sties of importance.
What to do now ?
Visit the Recording pages and find out how you can submit your records.
Take out a Membership of the Yorkshire Branch and join in with our field trips.
