Habitat and seasonal distribution of Odonata (Insecta) of Mula and Mutha river basins, Maharashtra, India

Aboli S Kulkarni,K.A Subramanian

doi:10.11609/jott.o3253.4084-95

Abstract

Catchment landscape degradation and habitat modifications of freshwater ecosystems are a primary cause of biodiversity loss in riverine ecosystems all over the world. Many elements of the flora and fauna of freshwater ecosystems are sensitive to the changes in catchment land use and habitat modification. These sensitive taxa are also reliable indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. In the current study we investigate the seasonal and habitat distribution of Odonata (Insecta) across riparian land use types in Mula and Mutha river basins, northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra. There was a difference in the species composition across land use types and across seasons with highest diversity and abundance during the post monsoon period. The highest Odonata diversity was observed in urban areas followed by forest and agriculture fields. There was a loss of 31% of the odonate fauna in the study area over 50 years which could be due to rapid industrialization and urbanization of the region and consequent degradation of freshwater ecosystems. The significance of catchment land use on Odonata diversity and its value in landscape monitoring is discussed.

Highlights

Around the world, freshwater habitats are being subjected to increased levels of human disturbance (Saunders et al 2002)
The indicator approach was followed using aquatic macroinvertebrates such as dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), Coleoptera and Mollusca to identify, monitor and conserve freshwater ecosystems in South Africa and United Kingdom. These studies have shown that Odonata are reliable indicators for freshwater ecosystem health (Samways 1992, 1993, 1995; Clark & Samways 1996; Painter 1999)
The present study aims to document habitat and seasonal distribution of Odonata in the Mula-Mutha river basins, major tributaries of the Bhima River which eventually drains into the Krishna basin

Summary

Introduction

Freshwater habitats are being subjected to increased levels of human disturbance (Saunders et al 2002). Healthy riverine ecosystems are vital for ecological integrity of the landscape Anthropogenic modifications such as the construction of dams, draining of streams, agricultural expansion, urban and industrial pollution and riparian deforestation have resulted in degradation of aquatic ecosystems and loss of freshwater biodiversity all over the world, especially in tropical Asia and including the Western Ghats (Dudgeon 1994, 2000; Subramanian, 2010; Molur et al 2011). Such activity influences natural resources, hydrology, nutrient cycle and natural habitat over time and space, changes which in turn reduce the biodiversity of a region. Odonata forms an important tool for various types of assessments and monitoring such as measure of biodiversity, wetland health and integrity, biological impact of climate change etc (Ortelli 2008)

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Results

Conclusion