Surveys > Dragonflies

Dragonfly Ireland

Dragonfly Ireland 2019 – 2024

Dragonfly Ireland 2019 – 2024 is an all-Ireland Citizen Science survey of dragonflies and damselflies, and their habitats, coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre in the Republic of Ireland and by the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording in Northern Ireland. The project is funded by The Environmental Protection Agency as part of a citizen science project examining the potential of aquatic species as bio-indicators of climate change and water quality. We are looking for volunteers to take part in submitting casual records and conducting site surveys of water bodies and water courses.

All data collected are available to view and explore on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Biodiversity Maps system.  All Dragonfly Ireland 2019 – 2024 data collected by the National Biodiversity Data Centre is available as Open Access data (CC-BY 4.0) via the Biodiversity Maps system.

Emperor Dragonfly – Kevin Collins

Dragonfly Ireland workshop, Ballybay, 2019

Our Survey Goals Include...

  • Gathering Dragonfly & Damselfly records for a 2024 Atlas.
  • Assessing Dragonflies & Damselflies as bio-indicators of water quality and climate change.
  • Preparing an updated Red List of dragonflies and Damselflies.
  • Training and supporting a network of dragonfly recorders in Ireland.
  • Highlighting the issues of water quality and and climate change.

How to Take Part

The project offers three levels of participation to the public. Dragonfly Spotter encourages the submission of casual sightings of any Dragonfly or Damselfly species via our online web form or the Biodiversity App. Dragonfly Recorder asks volunteers to conduct two timed surveys of a freshwater site, to record all dragonfly and damselfly species present and assess their habitat. Finally, Dragonfly Monitor asks volunteers to conduct a minimum of four surveys at their local site, and to repeat site surveys annually.

Azure Damselfly – Dave Wall

Irish Dragonflies & Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are charismatic insects, easily recognised by their large size and dazzling body colours. This makes them a good target for biological recording. They spend most of their lives as aquatic nymphs, so their presence at freshwater sites can provide a useful indicator of water quality. Some species also have specific habitat and climate requirements which make them potential bio-indicators for habitat quality and climate change.

Downy Emerald – Donna Rainey

Useful Links

These links provide useful resources for survey planning and species identification.

If conducting site surveys, please do not enter onto private property without the landowners permission.

Contact Us


Contact

Dave Wall,
National Biodiversity Data Centre
WIT West Campus
Carriganore
Waterford
X91 PE03

Email: DragonflyIreland@biodiversityireland.ie

Tel.: +353 (0)86 605 1702

Northern Ireland

Damian McFerran,
CEDaR
153 Bangor Road
Cultra, Holywood
Co. Down
BT18 0EU

Tel.: +44 (0)28 9039 5256

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
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The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

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