Chlorolestes umbratus is a Cape endemic that has shown past declines, however the population now appears to have stabilised as a result of removal of alien invasive trees. It occurs in several reserves and currently is considered Least Concern. However, this status is very much dependent on continuing efforts to keep existing and potential habitat free from invasive trees, particularly Acacia mearnsii. It is assessed as Least Concern.
Distribution
The species is endemic to South Africa. At present, it is known from isolated localities from Franschhoek (Western Cape) to Tsitsikamma Forest (western Cape and eastern Cape). The recent information (February 1999: Franschhoek) is encouraging and the small population there appears to have re-established as a result of removal of alien trees (Samways 2006).
Although its known area of occupancy is less than 2,000 km², the population appears to have stabilised (Samways 2006).
Threats
Plantation forestry coupled with loss of natural forest appears, at least historically, to have been a major threat. Today, the impact of invasive alien trees shading out perching and oviposition sites appears to be the most major impact (Samways 2006).
Conservation
The removal of invasive alien trees, especially Acacia species, is proving to be immensely beneficial and this work needs to continue (Samways 2006). Stopping further loss of natural forest is critical and further searches for the species are also required (Samways 2006). The species occurs in several reserves.
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title = {World Odonata List. Revision 14 February 2018},
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,]
