Bekko tombo  (Libellula angelina)

Once relatively abundant, bekko tombo populations have undergone drastic declines in recent decades as a result of habitat destruction and degradation and introduced predators. Ponds have been filled to allow urban expansion, or in some urban areas, ponds have been made into artificial ponds with concrete banks, which may be unsuitable for this species. Likewise, grassy fields, which females and immature males rely upon for refuges, have greatly diminished in recent years (1). Introduced alien species, such as Procambarus clarkii (Crustacea), Micropterus salmoides (carnivorous fish), and Myocastor coypus (a large, semi-aquatic rodent), have also contributed to the dragonfly's demise either through direct predation, or through feeding on the water plants that sustain this native species (1) (5). Sadly, the pattern of decline is only expected to continue (1).

Considered a national natural treasure in Japan (5), the bekko tombo became protected by the Japanese Ministry of Environment in 1993, and collection is prohibited by law (1). Nevertheless, this does little to protect the dragonfly's disappearing habitat (1). Thus, some NGOs have begun to conserve this insect and its habitat at specific pond sites, for example at Okegaya, Imuta, Misumi and Noyori-shin ponds (1) (6). At Misumi Pond, the Oita Dragonfly Society is feeding and breeding the larvae of bekko tombo to help restore the diminished population, with 149 larvae successfully hatching in spring 2005 in tanks installed in the pond. The Oita Dragonfly Society is also observing the mating and egg-laying behaviour of females, with the hope that the information gained will help them in their breeding scheme (6). Thus, despite an ongoing decline, national pride in this native dragonfly provides an element of hope for its future, in Japan at least, through inspiring concerted conservation efforts by dedicated individuals and organisations such as the Oita Dragonfly Society.