Dragonfly fauna (Odonata) of the Ribniki v dolini Drage pri Igu Nature Reserve (Ljubljansko barje, Central Slovenia)

Abstract

The current knowledge of the odonate fauna in the Ribniki v dolini Drage pri Igu Nature Reserve at the south-eastern outskirts of Ljubljansko barje is summarized, based on studies carried out in the 2018–2020 period and on older unpublished data of the authors and literature. Of the 72 species of Odonata known for Slovenia, 49 have been listed so far in the study area. Of these, 17 species are endangered, 5 protected and 2 listed in the appendices to the Habitats Directive, while 15 species are rare in the area. The local odonate fauna is compared with the odonate fauna of the wider area, with a list of 51 odonate species provided for the entire Ljubljansko barje, of which 7 have so far been found only in the area of Draga pri Igu. Nature conservation aspect is discussed with an emphasis on the species from the appendices of the Habitat Directive, the yellow-spotted whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis), which has recently not been recorded elsewhere in central Slovenia, and the Balkan goldenring (Cordulegaster heros). Furthermore, we provide recommendations for further management of the nature reserve. The main threat factors affecting the odonate fauna in the area are listed and the need for monitoring the threatened species and further research is highlighted. To protect the odonate fauna in this part of Slovenia, the introduction of adapted and to nature conservation subordinated extensive management of wetlands and fishponds in the nature reserve is implicit.