Climate change effects on tropical odonate community

Abstract

Climate change, such as increased rainfall variability, has affected Yavatmal district in the last decade. Uncertainty of rainfall affects the inter-annual vegetation growth, and thus biodiversity. A baseline study was carried out in 4 habitats in Waghadi basin of Yavatmal district to analyse Odonates species abundance, richness, and diversity as a prerequisite for the protection and management of these habitats. A total of 1263 individuals of 30 species distributed in 6 families were collected. Libellulidae is most dominant family with 13 species. The influence of vegetation on species richness and diversity was analysed (using normalized difference vegetation index values at buffer zones of 1000 m, 500 m, 100 m and 50 m), with further research into the trends of species diversity for each habitat. There was an increase in species richness and diversity with an increase in the dense vegetation, especially around temporary water bodies. This study indicates the contribution of temporary water bodies to ecosystem function and suggests its conservation by monitoring the impacts of increased rainfall variability and anthropogenic influence using odonates.

Keywords

• climate change
• diversity
• ndvi-index
• odonates
• vegetation