Study Reveals Alarming 35% Shortfall in Western Ghats Dragonfly Diversity
The Western Ghats, a 1,600-km mountain range and global biodiversity crown jewel, may be losing its “indicator” species faster than we can track them. A recent, extensive study has revealed a startling gap in the region’s Odonata (dragonfly and damselfly) populations, documenting only 65% of historically recorded species.
This leaves a 35% shortfall, suggesting that nearly one-third of these ecologically critical insects have either moved on or, more likely, fallen victim to habitat degradation.
The Survey by the Numbers
The research, led by Pankaj Koparde of MIT-World Peace University, spanned 144 sites across five states—Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat—between 2021 and 2023.
- Total Species Recorded: 143
- Dragonflies: 76
- Damselflies: 67
- Endemic Species: 40 (found nowhere else on Earth)
- Geographic Trend: Diversity and endemism remain significantly higher in the Southern Western Ghats due to perennial streams and specific microhabitats.
The IUCN “Red List” Breakdown
One of the most concerning findings is the lack of data. While most species are currently listed as “Least Concern,” a significant portion of the population remains a scientific mystery.
| IUCN Status | Number of Species |
| Least Concern | 100 |
| Data Deficient | 22 |
| Not Evaluated | 16 |
| Near Threatened | 2 |
| Vulnerable | 2* |
Note: Three specific species—Elattoneura souteri, Protosticta sanguinostigma, and Cyclogomphus ypsilon—are currently flagged as vulnerable, signaling an urgent need for habitat protection.
Why Dragonflies Matter: The “Indicator” Taxa
Dragonflies and damselflies aren’t just garden ornaments; they are “indicator taxa.” Because they rely on freshwater ecosystems for reproduction, their presence (or absence) acts as a living report card for the health of local water bodies.
“Our surveys could recover only 65% of the known Odonata fauna of the Ghats,” says Professor Koparde. “This indicates a plausible loss of species and habitats.” Essentially, if the dragonflies are disappearing, the water—and the ecosystem—is in trouble.
A Fragmenting Paradise
The study identifies a “perfect storm” of threats currently degrading the Western Ghats:
- Infrastructure: Linear developments and hydropower projects.
- Pollution: Severe chemical and waste runoff.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall fragmenting delicate habitats.
- Human Impact: Unregulated tourism and recurring forest fires.
The “Data Deficient” status of 22 species highlights a massive blind spot in our conservation efforts. Without understanding where these insects live and how they are faring, we risk losing them before we even realize they’re gone.