One-Third Of Dragonfly And Damselfly Species In Western Ghats Feared Missing, Major Survey Warns

A large scientific survey of the Western Ghats has raised concerns about the possible disappearance of a significant share of dragonfly and damselfly species from the region, with researchers recovering only about two-thirds of the species historically recorded there.

The study, conducted by researchers from MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, along with collaborators from the Society for Odonate Studies, surveyed odonate populations between February 2021 and March 2023 across 144 sites spread across five states in the Western Ghats.

Odonata, the insect order that includes dragonflies and damselflies, depend entirely on freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and waterfalls for reproduction, making them highly sensitive indicators of ecosystem health.

During the extensive fieldwork, researchers documented 143 species of odonates , including 40 species endemic to the Western Ghats . However, this accounted for only about 65 per cent of the species historically known from the region , suggesting that nearly one-third of previously recorded species were not detected in the survey .

The Western Ghats, a 1,600-kilometre mountain chain along India’s west coast and a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot , supports a remarkable variety of plant and animal life.

According to lead researcher Dr Pankaj Koparde, the findings indicate a likely loss of species or degradation of habitats across parts of the Ghats. The study also observed a south-to-north shift in species composition , suggesting regional ecological differences that require further investigation.

The research attributes the decline to multiple pressures on freshwater ecosystems, including linear infrastructure projects, hydropower development, pollution, land-use change, unregulated tourism, forest fires and climate change .

The conservation status of several species also adds to the concern. At least three species, Elattoneura souteri , Protosticta sanguinostigma and Cyclogomphus ypsilon are currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List , while many others remain poorly studied or unassessed.

State-wise data showed significant variation. Maharashtra recorded 100 species from 105 surveyed sites , including 12 endemic species. Kerala, despite only 14 surveyed sites, showed a high concentration of endemics with 33 endemic species among 83 recorded . Karnataka recorded 64 species from 17 sites, Goa 35 species from three sites, while Gujarat documented 18 species from five sites with no endemic species observed.