J. P. HORNUNG’s research while affiliated with University of Alberta and other places

The relationship between don. and wetland quality was investigated in Brooks, from May until Sept. 1999. Sixteen study sites were each visited 7 times to survey adult dragonflies and aquatic macroinvertebrates, record environmental parameters, collect water samples, record vegetative characteristics, and assess beef cattle grazing influences. 25 odonate spp. were recorded, of which Ischnura verticalis is new to Alberta. A significant negative correlation was detected between cattle presence (measured as percent stems grazed surrounding the wetland) and odon. species richness (p = 0.022; ? = 0.322), teneral species richness (p = 0.018; ? = 0.337). and the Shannon-Weiner diversity indices (p = 0.060; ? = 0.230) of the study sites. In addition, vegetation species richness and don. species richness show a positive correlation (p = 0.066; ? = 0.221). A logistic regression establishes that the absence of Coenagrion angulatum, Enallagma ebrium and Aeshna intermpta is associated with high cattle impacts, or low vegetation species richness. This study outlines the effect that cattle can have on wetland odon. species diversity and recommends that measures are taken to protect wetlands, while offering an incentive and reasonable costtbenefit ratio to both rangeland and wetland mangers.