Articles
One of Canada’s Rarest Dragonflies Found in Dahl Forest
Several “critically imperilled” Common Sanddragons were discovered at the Dahl Forest, the property owned by the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust, near Gelert
Posted: November 11, 2011
Haliburton, 24 October, 2011 - A “critically imperilled” dragonfly – known previously from only four locations in Canada – was discovered this summer in Haliburton’s Dahl Forest.
Contrary to its name, the Common Sanddragon is known to exist in only a few creeks, all of which are in Peterborough County.
But this summer, naturalists undertaking a dragonfly count in the Dahl Forest, a property owned and managed by the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust, observed three Common Sanddragons along the Burnt River, which flows through the property. This sighting of multiple individuals suggests a new breeding population, as opposed to a possible stray record.
The dragonfly, which is recognized by its size and glowing white appendages, is fairly common in the southern United States, but is considered “critically imperilled” in Ontario where it is at the northern limit of its range.
Ed Poropat, from Haliburton, conducted his 5th Annual Haliburton Highlands Dragonfly Count on July 10 as part of his work to develop a database of dragonfly species in the county. The object of the day was to find and record as many different species as possible in a 24-hour period, as well as to count the number of individuals of each species in a designated area. As part of the day, Poropat visited the Dahl Forest, which has some exceptional habitat important to some species of dragonflies.
Sheila Ziman, chair of the Land Trust, said she was delighted by the discovery. “One of the reasons we acquired the Dahl Forest was because it is home to several rare and at-risk species. So we were very happy to hear that it is also providing a habitat for the Common Sanddragon.”
“I think this discovery proves how critical it is for organizations such as the Land Trust to protect Haliburton’s natural heritage,” she said.
Poropat is a past winner of the Land Trust’s Enviro-Hero awards. He was recognized in 2008 for his stewardship work in Haliburton County, and in particular for his efforts to survey and monitor a variety of wildlife.
The Land Trust acquired the Dahl Forest in 2009 as part of its mission to protect the natural heritage of Haliburton County for future generations. The 500 acre reserve’s extensive trails network will soon have signage for visitors after successfully being awarded a grant from the 2011 Winterfest Legacy Fund.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust is a charitable organization committed to protecting the natural heritage of Haliburton County for future generations and ensuring a legacy of forests, fields and wetlands and the species they nurture.
For more information, please contact Rachel Gillooly, Program Coordinator, at (705) 454-8107, program@haliburtonlandtrust.ca or visit HaliburtonLandTrust.ca
- Apart from the Peterborough location, an individual was seen once near Windsor in 1984, but it is thought it was a vagrant record, not a resident population.
Last Updated: Nov 11 2011 10:59:52 am.
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Norah’s Island was donated by Bruce Carruthers to the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust to honour the memory of his late wife. The Carruthers owned the island for 32 years. Find out more about Norah’s Island.
