The destruction of the world’s wetlands has accelerated the decline of dragonfly populations worldwide.  

Nearly one-fifth of dragonflies are at threat of extinction because of this habitat destruction, the Red List of Threatened Species announced Thursday. 

The expansion of unsustainable agricultural and urbanization is behind the widespread loss of marshes and swamps. 

The presence of dragonflies help control mosquito populations, which can spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever in warmer climates.

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