Alarming Decline in Dragonfly and Damselfly Species in Western Ghats: MIT-WPU Study Reveals 35% Shortfall

The Western Ghats, one of India's most cherished biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 1,600 kilometers along the country's western coast, is sending a stark warning through the vanishing presence of dragonflies and damselflies. These vibrant insects, belonging to the order Odonata (Odonata species, encompassing both dragonflies known for their robust bodies and powerful flight, and the more delicate damselflies), play a crucial role as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health. A groundbreaking two-year survey led by researchers from MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Pune has uncovered an alarming gap: only 65 percent of historically recorded Odonata species were detected, pointing to a potential 35 percent shortfall that could signal widespread habitat degradation or even local extinctions.

This study, titled 'Western Ghats Odonata Odyssey: Status and Distribution of Odonates of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, India,' published in Biology Bulletin Reviews, represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to map Odonata diversity in this ecologically vital region. Spanning Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat, the findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation while highlighting the pivotal role of Indian higher education institutions in driving such critical research.

Spotlighting the Research Team at MIT World Peace University

At the helm of this ambitious project is Dr. Pankaj Koparde, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at MIT World Peace University in Pune. With a PhD from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and expertise in evolutionary ecology, biogeography, and conservation science, Dr. Koparde has long championed science-driven biodiversity research. His lab, affectionately known as the Chatur Ullu Lab, emphasizes urban ecology and outreach, training the next generation of environmental scientists.

Collaborating closely were MIT-WPU's own Arajush Payra, a PhD scholar, and Ameya Deshpande, an MSc student, alongside Reji Chandran from the Society for Odonate Studies in Kerala. This multidisciplinary team exemplifies how universities like MIT-WPU foster hands-on research opportunities for students, blending fieldwork with academic rigor. Their involvement not only contributed to new species discoveries but also built essential skills in field surveys, data analysis, and scientific publishing—key pillars of higher education in environmental sciences across India.

Unpacking the Survey Methodology

From February 2021 to March 2023, the team traversed 144 sites, focusing on freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, waterfalls, ponds, lakes, and dams. These locations were strategically selected to cover the diverse topography of the Western Ghats, from the northern reaches in Gujarat to the southern lushness of Kerala. Standard protocols for Odonata surveys were employed, including visual searches during peak activity periods, netting, and photographic documentation for verification.

The effort yielded records of 143 distinct Odonata species: 76 dragonflies and 67 damselflies, with 40 endemic to the Western Ghats. Notably, Maharashtra hosted 105 sites yielding 100 species (12 endemics), Kerala 14 sites with 83 species (33 endemics), Karnataka 17 sites with 64 species (6 endemics), Goa 3 sites with 35 species (4 endemics), and Gujarat 5 sites with 18 species. This granular data highlights regional variations, with southern areas showing higher endemism due to perennial streams and microhabitats.

Key Findings: A 35% Species Shortfall

Historically, around 220 Odonata species have been reported from the Western Ghats, including 95 endemics. Yet, the survey recovered just 65 percent, missing 79 species—a 35 percent gap that alarms experts. Among detected species, IUCN assessments classify 100 as Least Concern, 22 as Data Deficient, 16 as Not Evaluated, two Near Threatened (Phylloneura westermanni, Heliogomphus promelaena), and two Vulnerable (Protosticta sanguinostigma, Cyclogomphus ypsilon).

The study also documented new spatial records, such as Macromidia donaldi donaldi in Pune district and Gynacantha khasiaca in Raigad, plus seven new taxa. This blend of rediscoveries and absences paints a complex picture: while some species persist in refugia, others may have succumbed to pressures, urging repeated monitoring by university-led teams.

Root Causes Driving the Decline

• Habitat Fragmentation: Linear infrastructure like roads, railways, and hydropower dams disrupts breeding sites.
• Pollution and Land-Use Change: Agricultural expansion, urbanization, and mining contaminate waterways.
• Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affect larval development in freshwater.
• Invasive Species and Tourism: Non-native plants outcompete natives; unregulated tourism disturbs riparian zones.
• Forest Fires: Recurrent blazes degrade surrounding vegetation critical for adult Odonata.

Dr. Koparde notes, "Odonates depend entirely on freshwater ecosystems for reproduction, making them highly sensitive to these changes." For more on threats, see the detailed analysis in The Hindu.

Photo by Tonmoy Iftekhar on Unsplash

Ecological Roles of Dragonflies and Damselflies

Odonata are apex predators in aquatic food webs, controlling mosquito populations and preventing disease outbreaks like dengue and malaria. Adults pollinate plants and serve as prey for birds and bats, maintaining trophic balance. Their nymphs aerate water through gill movements, enhancing oxygen levels for fish and amphibians.

In the Western Ghats, endemic species contribute uniquely to this balance, supporting over 7,400 plant species, 325 mammals, and 508 birds. A decline disrupts pollination, pest control, and water quality indicators, cascading to fisheries and human health. Research from Indian institutions like MIT-WPU emphasizes their value in ecosystem services worth billions.

Implications for Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot

Hosting 4-5 percent of global species in just 0.03 percent of land, the Western Ghats faces compounded threats. The Odonata shortfall mirrors declines in birds (75 percent drop in 12 species per a 2023 study) and amphibians. IUCN's 2025 report flags high threats from development, warning of irreversible losses. BBC coverage links this to broader 'insect apocalypse' signals.

For Indian universities, this underscores the need for integrated research on climate resilience and sustainable development in hotspots.

Conservation Recommendations and Calls to Action

The MIT-WPU team advocates:

• Intensive surveys in undersampled areas to confirm statuses.
• Genetic libraries for evolutionary studies.
• Protected corridors linking fragmented habitats.
• Policy integration of Odonata monitoring in environmental impact assessments.
• Community education via university outreach programs.

Funding from India's Department of Science and Technology supported this work, signaling government backing for university research.

Indian Universities Leading Biodiversity Research

Institutions like MIT-WPU, IISER Pune, and Kerala University exemplify India's growing prowess in biodiversity studies. Programs in environmental science, wildlife ecology, and conservation biology train students through field projects. PhD opportunities at MIT-WPU, as pursued by Arajush Payra, blend academia with real-world impact. Nationally, the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being bolsters such efforts, creating synergies between colleges and conservation NGOs.

Future Outlook and University Initiatives

Emerging trends include AI for species monitoring and citizen science apps. Universities are launching Odonata conservation clubs and restoration projects. With climate projections worsening, Indian higher education must scale up interdisciplinary programs, potentially averting further losses through innovation.

For insights, explore the Indian Express report.

Photo by Garv Chaplot on Unsplash

Career Opportunities in Biodiversity and Ecology

This study spotlights booming prospects in India's green jobs sector. Roles like research assistants, conservation biologists, and environmental consultants at universities and NGOs abound. MIT-WPU's programs prepare graduates for positions in wildlife institutes, offering stipends via fellowships. With demand for experts in hotspots like Western Ghats, pursuing MSc/PhD here opens doors to impactful careers.