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Dragonfly Decline: Western Ghats Face Insect Crisis
24 Apr
Summary
- 65% of known dragonfly species missing in Western Ghats.
- Pollution, infrastructure development threaten insect populations.
- Dragonflies are key indicators of freshwater ecosystem health.
A recent extensive survey across five states in India's Western Ghats has uncovered a significant decline in dragonfly and damselfly populations. Researchers could only document approximately 65% of the known Odonata species in this biodiversity hotspot, raising alarms about potential species and habitat loss.
The study, conducted between February 2021 and March 2023, involved fieldwork at 144 sites. It revealed variations across states, with Maharashtra recording 100 species and Kerala noting a high concentration of 33 endemic species despite fewer sites.
Dragonflies are highly sensitive to freshwater ecosystem changes, making them crucial indicators of ecological health. The shortfall of nearly 35% of these insects points to escalating threats such as infrastructure development, hydropower projects, pollution, and land-use changes.
These intensifying pressures, compounded by unregulated tourism, forest fires, and climate change, are fragmenting and degrading vital ecosystems. The research aims to fill a critical gap in understanding Odonata populations and to prioritize conservation efforts in species-rich areas.
