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In a groundbreaking study, researchers at MIT-WPU, Pune, revealed the population dynamics of dragonfly species in Pune based on historical and contemporary data. Researchers found that eight species previously recorded in historical data are now absent, suggesting possible local extinctions due to unplanned urbanisation, increased water pollution, and shifting weather patterns.
The study also records addition of twenty-seven species compared to historical data, a significant number achieved due to citizen science and increased awareness regarding documentation of insect diversity. The study identifies shifts in dragonfly populations caused by factors such as changing land use, rapid urbanisation, and data gaps.
Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are increasingly valuable indicators for understanding how species react to changes in their habitats. This study examined historical records of Odonata in the tropical district of Pune and analysed changes in the composition of these insect populations. The researchers combined primary and secondary data to reconstruct a timeline of odonatological research spanning 180 years.
The primary data collection took place across 52 locations within the Pune district between January 2019 and December 2022. Secondary data was gathered from 25 published scientific articles and records submitted by citizen scientists.
The combined dataset was analysed by dividing it geographically into the area within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits and the area outside the PMC. The data was also categorised temporally, first by a pre-2010 and post-2010 division, and then further subdivided into historical eras: the mid-nineteenth century, the early-twentieth century, the late-twentieth century, and the early-twenty-first century.
The study documented a total of 98 species of Odonata within the district, representing 52 genera and 10 families. This total included 36 damselfly species and 62 dragonfly species. Within the PMC boundaries, 66 odonate species were found, belonging to 36 genera and 7 families. The contemporary survey recorded 70 species (41 genera, 9 families) out of the overall 98 species documented.
The most diverse family was Libellulidae, with 38 species, followed by Coenagrionidae (21 species), Gomphidae (11 species), and Aeshnidae (8 species). The hills within the PMC area were identified as biodiversity hotspots, exhibiting high species richness.
The study also recorded the presence of five endemic species from the Western Ghats, reinforcing Pune’s ecological significance for Odonata studies. This first-of-its-kind study examines the long-term temporal distribution of odonates in the Pune district, shedding light on species losses and gains over nearly two centuries.
Since the mid-nineteenth century there has been an increasing trend in reports of species records from the district primarily due to the rise of sophisticated citizen science platforms. Comparisons of pre- and post-2010 lists suggest the absence of 8 and the recording of an additional 27 odonate species.
The research, led by Dr. Pankaj Koparde (Faculty, Department of Environmental Studies, MIT-WPU Pune), along with Arajush Payra (PhD Scholar) and Ameya Deshpande (Alumnus), presents a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary records.
Researchers from MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have published this groundbreaking study, titled “Odonata Diversity in the Timescape of Pune District Adjoining the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot,” in the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (Springer Nature Publishing).
“Dragonflies are crucial insect predators that help regulate mosquito and pest populations in urban areas. Their role is comparable to that of tigers in a forest ecosystem. Monitoring their populations is essential for assessing environmental health,” said Dr. Pankaj Koparde, lead researcher of the study.
Compared to historical records, researchers today have access to advanced data collection techniques, citizen science initiatives, and increased awareness, allowing for a more refined understanding of biodiversity trends. The study also identifies Warje and Vetal Hills, along with Pashan Lake, as the most species-rich locations within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits.
Perhaps changing land use, rapid urbanisation, and data gaps are important factors giving rise to such patterns. Here, the authors uncover patterns in the odonate records from Pune city and recommend systematic long-term monitoring to identify areas of conservation concern. The study provides data useful for planning management of urban green and blue spaces of the city.
Building on these findings, MIT-WPU researchers are currently studying the impact of urbanisation and water pollution on dragonflies along the Mula River. They are also establishing long-term monitoring projects to track diversity changes over time.
“We need to prioritise the conservation of urban green and blue spaces such as hills, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. Sustainable development planning is crucial to preserving natural ecosystems amid rapid urban expansion,” stated Arajush Payra, co-researcher on the study.
This study is part of a larger research initiative on dragonfly diversity across the Western Ghats, funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The researchers hope their findings will inspire more studies on biodiversity shifts across various taxa and encourage the establishment of long-term monitoring projects to aid conservation efforts.