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Western Ghats: One-Third of Dragonflies Vanish
5 May
Summary
- A two-year survey in the Western Ghats revealed a potential 35% species decline.
- Dragonflies and damselflies are crucial indicators of freshwater ecosystem health.
- Habitat degradation and pollution are key drivers of this alarming wildlife loss.
A comprehensive two-year survey conducted in India's Western Ghats has revealed a critical decline in dragonfly and damselfly populations. Researchers found that approximately 35% of historically known species may now be missing from the region, indicating severe ecological stress. This significant loss is particularly concerning as these insects, known as odonates, are sensitive indicators of freshwater ecosystem health.
The survey, which covered various freshwater habitats between February 2021 and March 2023, documented 143 distinct odonate species. However, this represented only 65% of the species previously recorded in the Western Ghats, a mountain chain renowned as a global biodiversity hotspot. The findings suggest an alarming rate of species decline.
Multiple intensifying threats are contributing to this ecological crisis. These include extensive infrastructure development, such as hydropower projects, alongside widespread pollution and significant land-use changes. Unregulated tourism, frequent forest fires, and the pervasive impacts of climate change further exacerbate the fragmentation and degradation of these vital ecosystems.
