Pune: A groundbreaking study by MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has traced significant shifts in Pune’s dragonfly populations over nearly 200 years, revealing species losses and gains due to environmental changes.

Researchers found that eight historically recorded species are now absent, likely due to rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate variations. However, 27 new species have been documented, a rise attributed to increased citizen science participation and improved biodiversity monitoring.

Published in the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (Springer Nature Publishing), the study examines long-term temporal changes in dragonfly and damselfly populations in Pune district, adjacent to the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot. The findings underscore the impact of land use changes and ecological pressures on insect diversity.

Key Findings: Species Loss, New Additions & Endemic Presence

The study recorded the presence of five endemic species from the Western Ghats, reinforcing Pune’s ecological significance for Odonata research. Led by Dr. Pankaj Koparde, faculty member at MIT-WPU’s Department of Environmental Studies, along with PhD scholar Arajush Payra and alumnus Ameya Deshpande, the research analyzed historical records dating back to the mid-19th century.

Field data was collected from 52 locations across Pune district between 2019 and 2022, while 25 published articles and citizen science contributions were reviewed for historical comparisons. The study identified Warje, Vetal Hills, and Pashan Lake as the most species-rich locations within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits.

Dragonflies: Urban Predators and Environmental Indicators

“Dragonflies are crucial insect predators that help regulate mosquito and pest populations in urban areas. Their role in an ecosystem is comparable to that of tigers in a forest. Monitoring their populations is essential for assessing environmental health,” said Dr. Koparde, emphasizing the ecological importance of these insects.

Advancements in data collection, citizen science, and public awareness have provided researchers with better tools to monitor biodiversity trends than were available in the past. This has enabled more accurate documentation of changes in species distribution over time.

Ongoing Research and Conservation Efforts

Building on their findings, MIT-WPU researchers have now expanded their study to analyze the impact of urbanization and water pollution on dragonflies along the Mula River. They are also working on establishing long-term biodiversity monitoring programs to track future population shifts.

“We need to prioritize the conservation of urban green and blue spaces such as hills, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. Sustainable urban planning is crucial to preserving natural ecosystems amid rapid urban expansion,” said Arajush Payra, co-researcher on the study.

Funding and Future Implications

The study is part of a larger research initiative on dragonfly diversity across the Western Ghats, supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. Researchers hope that their findings will inspire further studies on biodiversity shifts across different species groups and encourage the implementation of long-term conservation policies.