Odonata of the Hlanzoun (Lokoli) swamp forest in Benin: updated checklist, new records and conservation concerns

Between May 2021 and July 2021, 59 species of odonates were recorded in Hlanzoun swamp forest (Benin) - giving a total of 61 known species - representing an increase of 154% compared with the previous study, which reported 24 species. Of the 59 species observed in 2021, five are new to Benin and 14.75% of these species are strictly threatened (CR, EN, VU) according to the national expert-based Red List. With six odonates assessed as Critically Endangered in Benin, Hlanzoun is home to 75% of the country's CR species. In addition, Hlanzoun harbours the largest population of Ceriagrion citrinum currently known in the world. Hlanzoun could therefore be a major hotspot for dragonfly conservation in West Africa. This article also reports on the threats to the Hlanzoun ecosystem and proposes some ideas for its conservation.