[Cross-Post] Norfolk Hawker dragonfly no longer endangered, scientists say

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/8348221

A rare dragonfly is no longer considered endangered after spreading its wings across England, but conservationists have said its wetland habitat is still at risk from climate breakdown.

The Norfolk Hawker, known for its bright green eyes and golden body, went extinct from the Cambridgeshire Fens in 1893 and became confined to east Norfolk and east Suffolk. It is thought this was caused by the draining of its preferred habitat of ponds and marshes for agriculture over the centuries. It has since been almost entirely restricted to the Norfolk Broads.

In recent years, however, the dragonfly has been found in Cambridgeshire, Kent and Herefordshire. The populations at these locations have become stable, and scientists have declared that due to its wider population spread, and the appearance of strongholds across parts of the country, it is no longer endangered.