Rapid multi-taxa assessment around Dhamapur Lake (Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India) using citizen science reveals significant odonate records

Abstract

In the present work, we discuss the results of a four-day long rapid survey around Dhamapur Lake and surrounding freshwater habitats in the Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra through public participation. In total, 61 odonates, 51 butterflies, 17 species of amphibians and reptiles, 90 birds, and four mammals are documented. Our observations taken over a brief time reflect the importance of citizen science in documenting local biodiversity. We report involvement of citizen scientists in recovering significant odonate records for the state.

Records of Dragonflies & Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) from Gondia district, Maharashtra, India

“…The present study from Gondia district spanning two years adds significant information on the odonates of Vidarbha and highlights the need for such surveys (Koparde et al, 2014;Mujumdar et al, 2020). Future studies to focus on seasonal variation and habitat correlates of species dynamics are recommended to develop a comprehensive conservation plan to safeguard the wetland habitats of odonates.…”

New spatial records of three Odonata species from the Western Ghats, India (Coenagrionidae, Aeshnidae)

“…Our opportunistic records of odonates from the Western Ghats add additional knowledge to the current odonatological literature. As per Mujumdar et al (2020), opportunistic records can add missing information due to their non-random nature. Our records support the argument; at the same time, we recommend that systematic sampling should be prioritized over opportunistic sampling to derive the best results (Darshetkar et al 2023).…”

“…In India, the hitherto published records show that G. khasiaca was mainly confined to Eastern and Northeastern India (Fraser 1936;Mitra 2002;Payra et al 2017). Recently, Mujumdar et al (2020) reported Gynacantha cf. khasiaca from Thakurwadi wetland of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.…”

Up and above: Northernmost records of Macromidia donaldi donaldi (Fraser, 1924) and Merogomphus longistigma (Fraser, 1922) from the Western Ghats of India (Odonata: Synthemistidae: Gomphidae)

“…The Odonata fauna of the state is well-reported through several studies conducted since the beginning of the twentieth century (Laidlaw, 1917;Fraser, 1919;1933;1934;1936). Then, many authors have significantly contributed to the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of odonates of the Maharashtra State (Prasad, 1996;Babu et al, 2009;Babu & Nandy, 2010;Tiple, 2012;Tiple et al, 2013;Tiple et al, 2014;Kulkarni & Subramanian, 2013;Koparde et al, 2014;Koparde et al, 2015;Koparde et al, 2019;Jere et al, 2020;Mujumdar et al, 2020). The most recently updated Odonata list of Maharashtra compiled by Tiple & Koparde (2015) (Joshi & Sawant, 2019;Joshi & Sawant, 2020;Bhakare et al, 2021) have been described from the Northern Western Ghats Up and above: Northernmost records of Macromidia donaldi donaldi (Fraser, 1924) and Merogomphus longistigma (Fraser, 1922) from the Western Ghats of India (Odonata: Synthemistidae: Gomphidae)…”

“…and Konkan region of the State. The more recent additions of Melanoneura bilineata Fraser, 1922; Agriocnemis keralensis Peters, 1981and Gynacantha khasiaca McLachlan, 1896(Mujumdar et al, 2020, increased to 141 species the reported odonates of Maharashtra. In the present study, we report the first record of Macromidia donaldi donaldi (Fraser, 1924) for Maharashtra based on the collections of specimens and sightings in the Pune district and confirm the occurrence of Merogomphus longistigma (Fraser, 1922) in the state based on the collection of one male and sightings in the Satara district, representing its northernmost distribution.…”