Odonata diversity in and around Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Investigation on the diversity of Odonates revealed a total of 38 species belonging to two suborders, six families, and 24 genera in and around Vadodara, in Gujarat, which included 15 species of Zygoptera (damselfly) and 23 species of Anisoptera (dragonfly). Out of the 38 species, 10 species are new records for the Vadodara. Most number of species was found in water reservoirs as compared to urban ponds and area around Mahi River. Furthermore, it was observed that areas around the rivers were adversely affected because of nearby sand mining. Amongst damselflies and dragonflies the population of damselflies was richer. Renovation of Urban ponds leads to decrease in their diversity due to loss of vegetation indicating anthropogenic pressure on species diversity.