By Esra Elfaki (SUDAN)
In 2012, I embarked on a journey into the world of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in Sudan, captivated by their vibrant colours, oversized eyes, and powerful wings. My fascination led me to study their distribution, behaviour, and conservation.
I started close to home, conducting my initial surveys in my garden, water canals, and the temporary lakes surrounding my village in the East Nile region.
Living near the Nile River has always been a privilege. It’s a place where one can document aquatic life endlessly while enjoying the simple pleasures of watching the sunset and sipping coffee on the riverbank. But my quest didn’t stop there.
I travelled to diverse landscapes across Sudan— from the deserts and semi-deserts of the North to the lush forests and green mountains of the West, and even to the lutas ponds near the borders of South Sudan and Red Sea State in the East. Sudan’s unique environment became deeply intertwined with my own sense of belonging. I found myself resonating with these insects, drawn to greenery, clean air, clear water, and the freedom they symbolise.
Across cultures, dragonflies are seen as symbols of strength, courage, happiness, and spiritual growth. Their close connection with freshwater, particularly in reproduction, highlights their importance in the ecosystem. The nymphs are critical in regard to morphology of aquatic habitats, while adults choose their environments based on vegetation, shading, and other structural characteristics. Due to their sensitivity to changes like deforestation and erosion, Odonata serve as mirrors reflecting the impacts of human activity on the ecosystem.
Every year, the rainy season marks the peak of dragonfly activities— evening flights, prey capture, mating, egg-laying, and resting on tree branches. My role has been to meticulously document these behaviours. By last year, we had recorded 89 species. But this year, everything changed. Aggressive conflict brought smoke, combustion, and pollution, making both the environment and my homeland unsafe. I was forced to leave Sudan and relocate to a country vastly different in climate and traditions.
As I adapt to this new place, I carry with me a strong desire to return to a safe home, where I can once again document dragonflies soaring in a healthy environment. Like these remarkable insects, I long for the day when both they and I can thrive in a place we love.
