What is the significance of dragonfly species decline in the Western Ghats?

The decline in dragonfly and damselfly species in the Western Ghats is significant because these insects are crucial bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health, suggesting widespread ecological degradation.

What are the primary threats to dragonfly populations in the Western Ghats?

Primary threats to dragonfly populations in the Western Ghats include habitat loss from infrastructure development, hydropower projects, pollution, land-use changes, and climate change impacts.

How many dragonfly species were found in the recent Western Ghats study?

The recent study conducted between February 2021 and March 2023 documented 143 dragonfly and damselfly species in the Western Ghats.

Home / Science / Dragonfly Decline: Western Ghats Biodiversity Crisis

Dragonfly Decline: Western Ghats Biodiversity Crisis

27 Apr

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Summary

One-third of dragonfly species are missing from Western Ghats.
Habitat loss from development projects is a likely cause.
Dragonflies are sensitive indicators of freshwater ecosystem health.

Dragonfly Decline: Western Ghats Biodiversity Crisis

A comprehensive two-year study conducted across 144 sites in the Western Ghats has uncovered a significant reduction in dragonfly and damselfly species. Researchers from MIT-WPU, in collaboration with the Society for Odonate Studies, documented 143 species between February 2021 and March 2023. This represents a concerning decrease from the approximately 200 species previously recorded in the region.

These insects, known as Odonata, are vital bioindicators for the health of freshwater ecosystems. Their declining numbers suggest ecological degradation, possibly driven by habitat loss from linear infrastructure, hydropower projects, pollution, and land-use changes. Species diversity was found to be higher in the southern Western Ghats compared to the northern regions.