A preliminary checklist of dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

Authors

  • V. Muthukrishnan Kanyakumari District Forest Office, Vadasery, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu 629001, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9118-6549
  • Anand Shibu Kanyakumari District Forest Office, Vadasery, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu 629001, India.
  • Vinod Sadhasivan 7/1d, Vini Nivas , Moovendhar Nagar, Holy Cross College Road, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu 629004, India.
  • R. Amirtha Balan Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9118-6549

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9696.18.5.28926--28939

Keywords:

Anisoptera, Balamore, Coenagrionidae, endemic, Libellulidae, Puthalam saltpan, Theroor wetland, Western Ghats, wetland, Zygoptera

Abstract

This study documents the Odonata diversity in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, covering forested regions, wetlands, reservoirs, and saltpans from September 2024 to January 2025. A total of 82 species were recorded, including 47 dragonflies and 35 damselflies. The highest diversity was observed at Mukkadal Dam, followed by Mambazhathurayar Reservoir and Kannimaranthoppu stream. In contrast, Puthalam Saltpan exhibited the lowest diversity likely due to high salinity levels. Forested regions supported the greatest species richness, possibly due to their relatively undisturbed, less polluted nature. This study contributes to the documentation of regional biodiversity and supports the Biological Diversity Act (2002) of India. The findings are expected to assist in local conservation efforts and provide insights into Odonata habitat preferences in Kanyakumari District.

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Published

26-05-2026

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 5 (2026)

Section

Communications

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Copyright (c) 2026 V. Muthukrishnan, Anand Shibu, Vinod Sadhasivan, R. Amirtha Balan

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