The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority built a Veterans Memorial Tollway bridge with a species of dragonfly in mind. The endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly can be found in a few habitats near the tollway, and the authority spent $6 million on preservation efforts. With help from University of South Dakota biologist Dan Soluk, an effort is under way to help the species propagate while researchers learn more about it. Researchers are tagging specimens and clipping small bits of wings for genetic testing. A habitat in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has features that allow researchers to manipulate conditions to see how the dragonflies react. “We can make this a better habitat than the natural habitat,” Soluk says. “We can produce higher numbers here, a bigger population density, than would normally be possible.” The work also is valuable, experts say, because the species serves as a barometer of the quality and quantity of groundwater. NEWS FOCUS, PAGE 4
