This species was formerly known only from two localities, where populations were small and decreasing. However, it has recently been found at other a number of additional localities (Mpumulanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces) with sizeable populations and with no immediate threats present (see reference list for references). The global population however is still thought to be declining, and has a known extent of occurrence of less than 15,000 km², The species has therefore been downlisted from EN to NT on the basis of this new information. It is a Cape Endemic and should be monitored in the future.
Distribution
Recently Pseudagrion inopinatum was found at two new localities (Mpumulanga, Komati River and KwaZulu-Natal, Mkomazi) in good populations. Old records list Badplaas
Current population size is unknown (it is known from only a few specimens), but the population may be declining. It appears to have a very localised distribution, with subpopulations probably awaiting discovery (Samways 2006).
Threats
It is not clear why this species is so rare. It may be that alien trout species have played a role in this. It has not been rediscovered at the "Drakensberg" locality since its collection there in 1948 and only one specimen (a female) was found at the type locality in 2002. It is possible that livestock farming, damming of streams, invasive alien trees, and trout together may impact on this species, potentially aggravating its susceptibility to drought and flood (Samways 2006).
Conservation
No precise information available but research into population numbers and range, biology and ecology, habitat status, threats, conservation measures, and trends/monitoring of this species would be valuable. Continued searches for the species are essential.
[@electronic{2573,
address = {www.iucnredlist.org},
author = {IUCN},
title = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2018-1},
year = {2018}
}
,@article{4730,
author = {Samways, M.J.},
journal = {Odonatologica},
pages = {341--368},
title = {National Red List of South African Odonata},
volume = {35},
year = {2006}
}
,@article{4730,
author = {Samways, M.J.},
journal = {Odonatologica},
pages = {13--62},
title = {Diversity and conservation status of South African dragonflies (Odonata)},
volume = {28},
year = {1999}
}
,@book{4730,
address = {Nylstroom},
author = {Tarboton, W. and Tarboton, M.},
publisher = {Privately published by the authors},
title = {A fieldguide to the damselflies of South Africa},
year = {2005}
}
,@article{4730,
author = {Samways, M.J.},
journal = {African Entomology},
pages = {43--52},
title = {A strategy for national red listing invertebrates based on experiences with Odonata in South Africa},
volume = {10},
year = {2002}
}
,@article{4730,
author = {Samways, M.J.},
journal = {Biodiversity and Conservation},
number = {9},
pages = {2575--2586},
title = {Honing Red List assessments of lesser known taxa in biodiversity hotspots},
volume = {16},
year = {2007}
}
,@article{4730,
author = {Samways, M.J.},
journal = {International Journal of Odonatology},
pages = {255--262},
title = {Critical species of Odonata in southern Africa},
volume = {7},
year = {2004}
}
,@article{4731,
author = {Samways, M.J. and Taylor, S.},
journal = {South African Journal of Science},
pages = {78--80},
title = {Impacts of invasive alien plants on red-listed South African dragonflies (Odonata)},
volume = {100},
year = {2004}
}
,]
