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Researchers at Pune’s MIT World Peace University (WPU) have found that eight previously recorded dragonfly species are now absent in Pune after studying the population dynamics of the insect based on historical and contemporary data.
This suggests possible local extinctions due to unplanned urbanisation, increased water pollution and shifting weather patterns. The study also records the addition of 27 species compared to historical data, a significant number achieved due to citizen science and increased awareness regarding the documentation of insect diversity. The study identifies shifts in dragonfly populations caused by changing land use, rapid urbanisation, and data gaps.
Researchers from MIT-WPU have published this study, titled ‘Odonata Diversity in the Timescape of Pune District Adjoining the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot’, in the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science.
The research, led by Dr Pankaj Koparde (faculty, Department of Environmental Studies, MIT-WPU), along with Arajush Payra (PhD scholar) and Ameya Deshpande (alumnus), presents a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary records.
The research gathered primary data between 2019 and 2022 across 52 localities in the Pune district and reviewed historical records from the mid-19th century through 25 published articles and citizen science data. The study also recorded 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 (dragonflies and damselflies) in the Pune district, shedding light on species losses and gains over nearly two centuries,” Dr Koparde said.
“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, the study’s lead researcher.
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 and Pashan Lake as the most species-rich locations within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits.
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 of the study.
“This study is part of a larger research initiative on dragonfly diversity across the Western Ghats, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India,” Dr Koparde told The Indian Express.
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.
