Odonata fauna in adjoining riparian agriland and the riparian urbanland of Muvattupuzha river, Kerala, India

This study, conducted between February and May 2019, coincided with the COVID-19 lockdown period in India. Researchers examined dragonfly (Anisoptera) and damselfly (Zygoptera) assemblages in riparian habitats bordering the Muvattupuzha River, Kerala, India. The investigation revealed a fascinating contrast: odonate diversity was significantly higher in agricultural land than in urban areas. A total of 46 species from nine families were documented across both habitats. The urban zone displayed a community of 19 species, with an even split between dragonflies (19) and damselflies (9). Conversely, the agricultural land teemed with a richer assemblage of 28 species, including a surprising dominance of damselflies (17) compared to dragonflies (11). This finding highlights the potential of agricultural landscapes to support odonate populations, particularly damselflies. Furthermore, the agri-land was a refuge for two endemic Western Ghats species, Macrogomphus wynaadicus and Heliocypha bisignata, adding to its ecological significance. Researchers conducted a physico-chemical analysis of Muvattupuzha River water samples collected near the study sites to understand potential environmental influences. The analysis revealed variations in 14 measured parameters, which may warrant further investigation to elucidate their role in shaping odonate diversity across these contrasting riparian habitats. The timing of this study, coinciding with the lockdown, offers a unique opportunity to understand how reduced human activity might influence odonate populations. With less traffic and potentially altered land-use patterns during the lockdown, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of reduced anthropogenic pressure on freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)