Odonata_Bohemian_Forest_2023-2025

The study was conducted in the Šumava Mountains (49°00′ N, 13°29′ E; Central Europe, Czech Republic), located at the border with Germany, and covering an area of 1678.22 km² (Šumava National Park and Šumava Protected Landscape Area). The research focused on peatland habitats situated at altitudes between 743 and 1262 m a.s.l. At each site, one or two plots, each characterized by one or more water bodies with distinct habitat structures were selected to represent contrasting environmental conditions.
The survey was conducted between 2023 and 2025. Each plot was visited two to three times per year between mid-July and early September. Data collection relied on non-lethal methods, primarily by searching for exuviae and observing adults. Exuviae were collected along the shoreline of water bodies during approximately 30-minute surveys while trying to reach a minimum collection size to adequately describe local assemblages. The specimens were preserved for later identification. Adult presence was recorded visually and, when needed, with an entomological sweep net. Individuals were released immediately after identification. To maximize detection, surveys were carried out during the species’ peak activity period (10:00 to 17:00) and only under favourable weather conditions, avoiding cold, windy, rainy, or overcast days. Relative abundance of imagines was assessed along 50 m transects located close to shoreline vegetation. Each transect was surveyed for 15 minutes.