Libellen in het Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen

Since 1990, 50 dragonfly species (with populations of 45 species) or 83% of all recent Flemish species have been observed in the National Park Hoge Kempen. 14 from the 17 Red List species have been noted, and with populations of 9 species. Also all the 3 species belonging to the category 'rare' are present. We can conclude that this National Park is a real biodiversity hotspot for dragonflies in Flanders. Nearly all Red List species characteristic for oligotrophicand running waters (brooks and rivulets) are present in high numbers. Only the species typical for meso-eutrophic standing waters are lacking, due to the nearly complete absence of this habitat type in the Park.The Park is also of international importance due to the presence of Leucorrhinia pectoralis, a species mentioned in the Annexes II and IV of the Habitat Directive.Within the Park, the Vallei van de Zijpbeek is the most important site for dragonflies. Gravel pits can be of great importance for Odonata, also for Red List species, if they were reshaped after exploitation.