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Dragonfly Decline Signals Environmental Crisis
20 May
Summary
- Dragonfly and damselfly species declining by 35 percent.
- Pollution and development threaten endemic species in Western Ghats.
- Three endemic species have gone missing from their habitats.
Dragonflies and damselflies, ancient aerial hunters, are facing a severe population decline. A recent study in India's Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, revealed a 35 percent drop in species over two years (2021-2023). Many of these species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else.
This alarming trend is attributed to pollution, reckless development, quarrying, hydroelectric projects, and climate change. These factors degrade habitats, making them unsuitable for egg-laying and nymph survival. The study noted three endemic species are now missing, signaling a critical environmental warning.
Dragonflies and damselflies, despite their impressive hunting prowess and diverse appearances, are increasingly vulnerable. Their decline serves as a stark indicator of the health of freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these magnificent insects and the environments they inhabit.
