Konni Odonate Survey

7-9 November 2014

REPORT OF THE FIRST KONNI ODONATE SURVEY

Organized by:

DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICE, KONNI KERALA FOREST & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT &

TROPICAL INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES, KOTTAYAM www.ties.org.in

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

KERALA FORESTS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

REPORT OF THE FIRST KONNI ODONATE SURVEY

7-9 November 2014

Organized by: DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICE, KONNI & TROPICAL INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES (TIES) Ecological Research Campus, Velloor P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, India. Pin. 686 501. Tel.: +91 481 2503988; 09497290339 E mail: [email protected]; Website: www.ties.org.in

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Report of the First KONNI ODONATE SURVEY

7th - 9th November 2014

Organised by:

DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICE, KONNI &

TROPICAL INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES (TIES) Ecological Research Campus, Velloor P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, India. Pin. 686 501. Tel.: +91 481 2503988; 09497290339 E mail: [email protected]; Website: www.ties.org.in

Principal Investigators:

Forest Department team: T.Pradeepkumar IFS (DFO) Patil Suyog Subhash Rao IFS (AdCF) Mr. Mohammed Anvar (Rfo) Nibu Kiran (Rfo)

TIES team: Dr. Francy Kakkasserry Dr. Abraham Samuel K. Manoj P.

Photo credits: Dr. Abraham Samuel K. Manoj P. Balachandran V. Santhosh Indeevaram

Suggested citation: Pradeepkumar, T., Francy Kakkassery, Samuel, A.K, Manoj P., Subash Rao, P.S., Anvar, M., and Kiran, N. 2014. Report of the First Konni Odonate Survey . Divisional Forest Office, Konni & Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, Kottayam.

December 2014

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

FIRST KONNI ODONATE SURVEY 7th -9th November 2014 FIELD SURVEY TEAM

1. Dr Francy K. Kakkassery 9387105360 [email protected]

2. Dr Abraham Samuel K. (TIES) 9447464620 [email protected]

3. Kiran C G 9946662694 [email protected]

4. Manoj P (TIES) 9846626570 [email protected]

5. Ajayakumar M N (TIES) 9961471567 [email protected]

6. Dr. Punnen Kurian (TIES) 9447077050 [email protected]

7. Shaun Paul -- [email protected]

8. Baiju K 9496102143 [email protected]

9. Santhosh C 8086442147 --

10. Ajithkumar S 9961453165 [email protected]

11. Balachandran V 9447587368 --

12. Krishnanand P 9496725209 [email protected]

13. Anuraj R 9495165303 [email protected]

14. Biju jose Eapen 9495052630 --

15. Jijo P S 9633200047 --

16. Shaji C 9446448890 [email protected]

17. Charesh C 9605380535 [email protected]

18. Thomas Yacob M 9495955585 [email protected]

19. Sathrumithra (TIES) 9847441801 --

20. Jyothish H S 8281480268 [email protected]

21. Chandrashekharan 9847664212 [email protected]

22. Maneesh Kumar G 8547622441 [email protected] 5

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report 1. INTRODUCTION

Kerala is well endowed with rich biodiversity with luxurious natural vegetation, crop diversity and wildlife. This is due to the high rainfall and the physiographic diversity created by the Western Ghats. Dragonflies and damselflies (Order- Odonata) are prominent and colourful insects of wetlands. About 5,000 species of odonates are found throughout the world. In India about 500 species and subspecies are reported and of this, about 150 species are found in Kerala. Odonates fauna in Kerala were scientifically elucidated by Fraser (1936-39). The study of dragonflies and damselfies are particularly important because their life cycle is closely associated with water bodies. Many of these insects have specific aquatic ecosystems varies from forest streams to manmade water bodies. Aquatic insects and other benthic invertebrates are the most widely used organisms in freshwater biomonitoring of human impact. Odonates are used as a popular tool for biomonitoring in aquatic ecosystem to analyse the impact of pollution and other anthropogenic disturbance (Hardersen 2001).

Introduction to Odonata

Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the Phylum Arthropoda in the Class of “Insecta and the Order Odonata, which is divided into three Suborders, “Zygoptera, Anisoptera and Anisozygoptera. The insects from Zygoptera are with slender long abdomen and keep fold their wings parallel to their body when in perching. They popularly have known as damselflies. The members of Anisoptera, popularly known as dragonflies, are comparatively stronger with sturdy body. They keep their wings open while resting. Insects from Anisozygoptera also have study body like dragonflies but while they are resting keep fold their wings like damselflies. In fact, the sub order, anisozygoptera is a living fossil with two species of which Epiophlebia laidlawi is known from Darjeeling (Fraser, 1933). The life cycle of dragonflies completed in three different stages of incomplete metamorphosis i.e. Egg, Larva and Adult. Eggs are normally elliptical or ball shape laid on aquatic vegetation, rock or sticks in water or nearby water bodies. Some of the dragonflies also laid eggs in the sand bed of dried rivulets or streams or inside the stem of grasses. Sometimes 5-6 moths will take the emergence for the larvae. Larvae feed on small aquatic insects or the larvae of other aquatic insects like mosquitoes. According to their growth rate larva molted their skin 8- 15 times. One or two days before the emergence larva stop feeding and will float in the water. Then they perch on rock or sticks or any other vegetation above the surface of the water and the adult insect will emerge from the nymph. This will take some times few hours. Normally the emergence is happening in early morning or midnight. The newly emerged dragonflies will get the actual colours only after few days. Adult dragonflies also feed on insects.

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

DEMANDS FOR STUDY ON ODONATES IN KONNI RESERVE FOREST

Konni Forest Division falls under Karunagappally and Kunnathoor Taluks and part of Piravanthoor Panchayath of Pathanapuram Taluk in Kollam District and Adoor Taluk and partly in Kozhencherry Taluk in Pathanamthitta District. Ranni, Achencoil and Punalur are the adjoining Forest Divisions. Konni Reserve forest host a good number of species of dragonflies and damselflies because of its rich water sources; Forests in the catchments of Achencoil-Kallar, Pamba- Kallar, Achencoil and their tributaries are very rich in bio-diversity. With its varied habitat types, network of streams and rivers and congenial elevations, the area supports rich and diverse flora and fauna. The whole area is traversed by a network of rivulets and streams. This study envisages a systematic documentation of the diversity of Odonates in Konni reserve forests and their status and distribution. This study will also helps us to the systematic documentation of the water shed and wet-patches of the Konni reserve forests and its changes for the various reasons; which is directly connected to the conservation plans for this pristine ecosystems especially the catchment areas and tributaries of the rivers which flows from the Konni Reserve forests.

METHODOLOGY

During the present investigation, the odonate (dragonfly and damselfly) survey was conducted for a period of 3 days (7 th to 9 th November, 2014) in four blocks of the Konni forest division, namely Kummannoor, Kurichi, Naduvathumuzhi and Kallar. All these blocks were selected on the basis of the presence of water bodies, forest type and anthropogenic interferences. In fact during the present investigation too far and interior areas of the forest were excluded because of the transportation problems and time limit. Each survey team was constituted with five members (3 odonate experts and 2 forest officials). Data sheets were provided to the team for recording the name of the species, location, habitat and the number of individuals seen during the time of investigation. The programme was started on 7 th November 2014, 9.30 am with a formal inaugural session followed by an introductory class by the odonate expert, Dr. Francy Kakkassery at Konni forest office. The participants were taken to the respective destinations by 1.30 pm and the survey was started at around 2. 00 pm. The survey was completed on 9 th November afternoon and the data collected by each team members were compiled at 3. 00 pm. Photographs and sketches prepared by the team were also used for the compilation.

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

ODONATE SURVEY SAMPLE SPOTS & STUDY AREA

SURVEY BLOCK 1 – Kummannoor The Kummannoor Survey team camped at Konni Forest IB on 7 th to 9 th and surveyed the forest areas from Kummanoor forest station to Inchaparathod, Nellidaparathod and Adichampara. Two big streams and several small brooks flow through Kummannoor which is mainly a teak plantation with healthy riparian forest vegetation. At Nellidaparathod and Adichampara are have some exposed rock area, check dams, patches of moist- deciduous forest and riparian forest vegetation. There is a nice water fall at Adichampara. On 9 th 10.30 am the team reached at Konni for the compilation. The odonates observed at this site is given in Table I.

Sl.N. Common Name Scientific Name Family 1 Stream Glory Neurobasis chinensisis CALOPTERYGIDAE 2 Black -tipped forest glory Vestalis apicalis CALOPTERYGIDAE 3 Clear -winged forest glory Vestalis gracilis CALOPTERYGIDAE 4 Stream ruby Rhinocypha bisignata CHLORO CIPHIDAE 5 Splendid dartlet Agriocnemis splendidissima COENAGRIONIDAE 6 Yellow Striped Grass Dart Pseudagrion indicum COENAGRIONIDAE 7 Malabar Torrent Dart Euphaea fraseri EUPHAEIDAE 8 Yellow Bush Dart Copera marginipes PLATY CNEMIDIDAE 9 Blue Bu sh Dart Copera vittata PLATY CNEMIDIDAE 10 Saffron Reedtail Platysticta deccanensis PLATYSTICTIDAE 11 Coorg Bambootail Caconeura ramburi PROTONEURIDAE 12 Black Bambootail Prodasineura verticalis PROTONEURIDAE 13 Blue darner Anax immaculifrons AESH NIDAE 14 Common Hooktail Paragomphus lineatus GOMPHIDAE 15 Granite Ghost Bradinopyga geminata LIBELLULIDAE 16 Emerald Banded Skinmmer Cratilla lineata LIBELLULIDAE 17 Ruddy Marsh Skimmer Crocothemis servilia LIBELLULIDAE 18 Black -tipped ground S kimmer Diplacodes nebulosa LIBELLULIDAE 19 Ground Skimmer Diplacodes trivialis LIBELLULIDAE 20 Umber -winged Marsh Glider Hydrobasileus croceus LIBELLULIDAE 21 Forest Skimmer Neurothemis fulvia LIBELLULIDAE 22 Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia LIBELLULIDAE 23 River Hawker Onychothemis testacea LIBELLULIDAE 24 Brown Backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum Chrysis LIBELLULIDAE 25 Tricoloured Marsh Hawk Orthetrum luzonicum LIBELLULIDAE 26 Crimson -tailed Marsh Hawk Orthetrum pruinosum LIBELLULIDAE 27 Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens LIBELLULIDAE 28 Common Picture Wing Rhyothemis variegate LIBELLULIDAE 29 Coral -tailed Cloud -wing Tholymis tillarga LIBELLULIDAE 30 Red Marsh Trotter Tramea basilaris LIBELLULIDAE 31 Crimson Marsh Glider Trith emis aurora LIBELLULIDAE 32 Black Stream Glider Trithemis festiva LIBELLULIDAE

Table I. Checklist of odonates in Kummannoor area of Konni Forest SURVEY BLOCK 2 – Kurichi The Kurichi Survey team camped at Allunkal forest outpost on 7 th to 9 th and surveyed the forest streams at Allunkal- Nellikkapara and Kurichi Pond.Kurichi pond situated a midst of a moist-deciduous forest, which is a hot spot of dragonflies and damselflies. The streams at Allunkal and Nellikaparathod are the confluence of several small brooks. 7th November 2014 afternoon the team surveyed the streams near Allunkal and Kurichi Pond and Nellikaparathod surveyed respectively on 8 th and 9 th . 9 th around 11.30am the survey team reached at Konni for compilation of report. The odonates observed at this site is given in Table II.

Sl.No Common Name Scientific Name Family 1 Stream Glory Neurobasis chinensisis CALOPTERYGIDAE 2 Black -tipped forest glory Vestalis apicalis CALOPTERYGIDAE 3 Clear -winged forest glory Vestalis gracilis CALOPTERYGIDAE 4 Stream ruby Rhinocypha bisignata CHLOROCIPHIDAE 5 Violet Striped Slender Dartlet Aciagrion hisopa CHLOROCIPHIDAE 6 Coromandel Marsh Dart Ceriagrion coromandelianu m COENAGRIONIDAE 7 Orange Marsh Dart Ceriagrion rubiae COENAGRIONIDAE 8 Yellow Striped Grass Dart Pseudagrion indicum COENAGRIONIDAE 9 Jungle Grass Dart Pseudagrion malabaricum COENAGRIONIDAE 10 Malabar Torrent Dart Euphaea fraseri EUPHAEIDAE 11 Da venport’s False Spread Wing Indolestes gracilis LESTIDAE 12 Sapphire -eyed Spreadwing Lestes praemorsus LESTIDAE 13 Yellow Bush Dart Copera marginipes PLATYCNEMIDIDAE 14 Blue Bush Dart Copera vittata PLATYCNEMIDIDAE 15 Pied Reedtail Protosticta grave ly PLATYSTICTIDAE

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

16 Coorg Bambootail Caconeura ramburi PROTONEURIDAE 17 Emerald Banded Skinmmer Cratilla lineata LIBELLULIDAE 18 Ruddy Marsh Skimmer Crocothemis servilia LIBELLULIDAE 19 Rubytailed Hawklet Epithemis mariae LIBELLULIDAE 20 Asiatic Bloodtail Lathrecista asiatica LIBELLULIDAE 21 Forest Skimmer Neurothemis fulvia LIBELLULIDAE 22 Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia LIBELLULIDAE 23 River Hawker Onychothemis testacea LIBELLULIDAE 24 Brown Backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum chrys is LIBELLULIDAE 25 Blue Marsh Hawk Orthetrum glaucum LIBELLULIDAE 26 Tricoloured Marsh Hawk Orthetrum luzonicum LIBELLULIDAE 27 Crimson -tailed Marsh Hawk Orthetrum pruinosum LIBELLULIDAE 28 Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens LIBELLULIDAE 29 Yello w-tailed Ashy Skimmer Potamarcha congener LIBELLULIDAE 30 Rufous Marsh Glider Rhodothemis rufa LIBELLULIDAE 31 Pigmy Skimmer Tetrathemis platyptera LIBELLULIDAE 32 Coral -tailed Cloud -wing Tholymis tillarga LIBELLULIDAE 33 Black Marsh Glider Tra mea limbata LIBELLULIDAE 34 Crimson Marsh Glider Trithemis aurora LIBELLULIDAE 35 Black Stream Glider Trithemis festiva LIBELLULIDAE 36 Coorg Torrent Hawk Macromia ellisoni MACROMIIDAE Table II. Checklist of odonates observed at Kurichi area of Konni forest

SURVEY BLOCK 3: Naduvathumuzhi

The Naduvathumuzhi team stayed at Naduvathumuzhi Forest Office and Surveyed Naduvathumuzi at 7 th afternoon, 1 Acre stream, Pappini stream Allunkal stream respectively 8 th and 9 th . Naduvathumuzhi has varied habitat types like teak plantation, moist- deciduous forest etc. 9 th morning 11.00am survey team reached back Konni for report compilation. The odonates observed at this site is given in Table III.

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Sl.No. Common Name Scientific Name Family

1 Stream Glory Neurobasis chinensisis CALOPTERYGIDAE 2 Black -tipped forest glory Vestalis apicalis CALOPTERYGIDAE 3 Clear -winged forest glory Vestalis gracilis CALOPTERYGIDAE 4 River heliodor Libellago Lineata CHLOROCIPHIDAE 5 Stream ruby Rhinocypha b isignata CHLOROCIPHIDAE 6 Violet Striped Slender Dartlet Aciagrion hisopa CHLOROCIPHIDAE 7 Splendid Dartlet Agriocnemis splendidisma COENAGRIONIDAE 8 Orange -tailed Marsh Dart Ceriagrion cerinorubellum COENAGRIONIDAE 9 Orange Marsh Dart Ceriagrion rubiae COENAGRIONIDAE 10 Golden Dartlet Ischnura aurora COENAGRIONIDAE 11 Yellow Striped Grass Dart Pseudagrion indicum COENAGRIONIDAE 12 Malabar Torrent Dart Euphaea fraseri EUPHAEIDAE

13 Davenport’s False Spread Wing Indolestes gracilis LESTI DAE 14 Blue Bush Dart Copera vittata PLATY CNEMIDIDAE 15 Pied Reedtail Protosticta gravely PLATYSTICTIDAE 16 Coorg Bambootail Caconeura ramburi PROTONEURIDAE 17 Common Clubtail Ictinogphus rapax GOMPHIDAE 18 Common Hooktail Paragomphus lineatus GOMPHIDAE 19 Trumpet –tail Acisoma panorpoides LIBELLULIDAE 20 Scarlet Marsh Hawk Aethriamanta brevipennis LIBELLULIDAE 21 Ditch Jewel Brachythemis contaminata LIBELLULIDAE 22 Ruddy Marsh Skimmer Crocothemis servilia LIBELLULIDA E 23 Ground Skimmer Diplacodes trivialis LIBELLULIDAE 24 Umber -winged Marsh Glider Hydrobasileus croceus LIBELLULIDAE 25 Forest Skimmer Neurothemis fulvia LIBELLULIDAE 26 Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia LIBELLULIDAE

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

27 River Hawker Onychoth emis testacea LIBELLULIDAE 28 Brown Backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum chrysis LIBELLULIDAE 29 Crimson -tailed Marsh Hawk Orthetrum pruinosum LIBELLULIDAE 30 Green Marsh Hawk Orthetrum Sabina LIBELLULIDAE 31 Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens LIBELLU LIDAE 32 Blue Wing Rhyothemis triangularis LIBELLULIDAE 33 Common Picture Wing Rhyothemis variegate LIBELLULIDAE 34 Coral -tailed Cloud -wing Tholymis tillarga LIBELLULIDAE 35 Black Marsh Glider Tramea limbata LIBELLULIDAE 36 Crimson Marsh Glider Trithemis aurora LIBELLULIDAE 37 Black Stream Glider Trithemis festiva LIBELLULIDAE Table III. Checklist of odonates observed at Naduvathumoozhi area of Konni forest

SURVEY BLOCK 4: Kallar

The Kallar Survey team stayed at Mundomuzhi Forest Station and covered Kallar up and down streams and forest tracts, rivulets. 7 th -9th . 9 th morning the team arrived at Konni Elephant camp for the compilation of the report. The odonates observed at this site is given in Table IV.

Sl.No Common Name Scientific Name Family

1 Stream Glory Neurobasis chinensisis CALOPTERYGIDAE 2 Black -tipped forest glory Vestalis apicalis CALOPTERYGIDAE 3 Clear -winged forest glory Vestalis gracilis CALOPTERYGIDAE 4 River heliodor Libellago Lineata CHLOROCIPHIDAE 5 Stream ruby Rhinocypha bisignata CHLOROCIPHIDAE 6 Green -striped slender Dartlet Aciagrion occidentale COENAGRIONIDAE 7 White dartlet Agriocnemis pieris COE NAGRIONIDAE 8 Yellow Striped Grass Dart Pseudagrion indicum COENAGRIONIDAE 9 Malabar Torrent Dart Euphaea fraseri EUPHAEIDAE 10 Blue Bush Dart Copera vittata PLATY CNEMIDIDAE 11 Coorg Bambootail Caconeura ramburi PROTONEURIDAE

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report 12 Blue Darner Anax immaculifrons AESHNIDAE 13 Ground Skimmer Diplacodes trivialis LIBELLULIDAE 14 Forest Skimmer Neurothemis fulvia LIBELLULIDAE 15 Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia LIBELLULIDAE 16 River Hawker Onychothemis testacea LIBELLULIDAE 17 Brown Backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum Chrysis LIBELLULIDAE 18 Tricoloured Marsh Hawk Orthetrum luzonicum LIBELLULIDAE 19 Crimson -tailed Marsh Hawk Orthetrum pruinosum LIBELLULIDAE 20 Green Marsh Hawk Orthetrum Sabina LIBELLULIDAE 21 Wandering Glider Pantala f lavescens LIBELLULIDAE 22 Blue Wing Rhyothemis triangularis LIBELLULIDAE 23 Common Picture Wing Rhyothemis variegata LIBELLULIDAE 24 Pigmy Skimmer Tetrathemis platyptera LIBELLULIDAE 25 Black Marsh Glider Tramea limbata LIBELLULIDAE 26 Crimson M arsh Glider Trithemis aurora LIBELLULIDAE 27 Black Stream Glider Trithemis festiva LIBELLULIDAE 28 Iridescent Stream Glider Zygonyz Iris LIBELLULIDAE

Table IV. Checklist of odonates observed at Kallar area of Konni forest

Fig.1. Diversity of odonates in three surveyed blocks 15

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Block wise Checklist of the Odonate of Konni Reserve Forest . Common English name: Scientific Kumma Kurichi Naduvathu Kallar name: nnoor muzhy

1 Stream Glory P P P P Neurobasis chinensisis

2 Black -ti pped forest glory P P P P Vestalis apicalis

3 Clear -winged forest glory P P P P Vestalis gracilis

4 River heliodor P X P P Libellago lineata

5 Stream ruby P P P P Rhinocypha bisignata

6 Violet Striped Slender Dartlet X P P X Aciagrion hisopa

7 Green -striped slender Dartlet X X P P Aciagrion occidentale

8 White dartlet X X X P Agriocnemis pieris

9 Splendid dartlet P X X X Agriocnemis splendidissima

10 Orange -tailed Marsh Dart X X p X Ceriagrion cerinorubellum

11 Coromandel Ma rsh Dart X P X X Ceriagrion coromandelianum

12 Orange Marsh Dart X P P X Ceriagrion rubiae

13 Golden Dartlet X X P X Ischnura aurora

14 Yellow Striped Grass Dart P P X P Pseudagrion indicum

15 Jungle Grass Dart X P X X Pseudagrion malabaricum

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report 16 Malabar Torrent Dart P P P P Euphaea fraseri

17 Davenport’s False Spread Wing X P P X Indolestes gracilis

18 Sapphire -eyed Spreadwing X P X X Lestes praemorsus

19 Yellow Bush Dart P P X X Copera marginipes

20 Blue Bush Dart P P X P Copera vittata

21 Saffron Reedtail P X X X Platysticta deccanensis

22 Pied Reedtail X P X X Protosticta gravely

23 Coorg Bambootail P P X P Caconeura ramburi

24 Black Bambootail P X X X Prodasineura verticalis

25 Blue darner P X X P Anax immaculifrons

26 Kodagu Clubtail X X P X Gomphidia kodaguensis

27 Common Clubtail X X P X Ictinogphus rapax

28 Common Hooktail P X X X Paragomphus lineatus

29 Trumpet –tail X X P X Acisoma panorpoides

30 Scarlet Marsh Hawk X X P X Aethriamanta brevipennis

31 Ditch Jewel X X P X Brachythemis contaminata

32 Granite Ghost P X X X Bradinopyga geminata

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

33 Emerald Banded Skinmmer P X X X Cratilla lineata

34 Ruddy Marsh Skimmer P P P X Crocothemis servilia

35 Black -tipped ground Skimmer P X X X Diplacodes nebulosa

36 Ground Skimmer P X P P Diplacodes trivialis

37 Rubytailed Hawklet X P X X Epithemis mariae

38 Umber -winged Marsh Glider P X P X Hydrobasileus croceus

39 Asiatic Bloodtail P P X X Lathrecista asiatica

40 Forest Skimmer P P P P Neurothemis fulvia

41 Pied Paddy Skimmer P P P P Neurothemis tullia

42 River Hawker P P P P Onychothemis testacea

43 Brown Backed Red Marsh Hawk P P P P Orthetrum chrysis

44 Blue Marsh Hawk X P X X Orthetrum glaucum

45 Tricoloured Marsh H awk P P X P Orthetrum luzonicum

46 Crimson -tailed Marsh Hawk P P P P Orthetrum pruinosum

47 Green Marsh Hawk X X P P Orthetrum Sabina

48 Wandering Glider P P P P Pantala flavescens

49 Yellow -tailed Ashy Skimmer X P X X Potamarcha congener

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report 50 Ru fous Marsh Glider X P X X Rhodothemis rufa

51 Blue Wing X P X X Rhyothemis triangularis

52 Common Picture Wing P X P P Rhyothemis variegate

53 Pigmy Skimmer X P X P Tetrathemis platyptera

54 Coral -tailed Cloud -wing P P P X Tholymis tillarga 55 Red Marsh Trotter P X X X Tramea basilaris 56 Black Marsh Glider X P P P Tramea limbata 57 Crimson Marsh Glider P P P P Trithemis aurora 58 Black Stream Glider P P P P Trithemis festiva 59 Iridescent Stream Glider X X X P Zygonyz iris 60 Coorg Torrent Hawk X P X X Macromia ellisoni Legend : P= Present; X= Absent

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Fig.2. Family-wise species diversity of odonates in each sector

The present list of Odonates of Konni Reserve Forest is spread over 2 sub-orders, 12 families, 44 genus and 60 species.

Family Number of Species Number of Genus 1.CALOPTERYGIDAE 3 2 2.CHLOROCIPHIDAE 2 2 3.COENAGRIONIDAE 10 5 4.EUPHAEIDAE 1 1 5.LESTIDAE 2 2 6.PLATY CNEMIDIDAE 2 1 7.PLATYSTICTIDAE 2 2 8.PROTONEURIDAE 2 2 9.AESHNIDAE 1 1 10.GOMPHIDAE 3 3 11.LIBELLULIDAE 31 22 12.MACROMIIDAE 1 1 Total No: 12 Total no. 60 Total no: 44

RARE SPECIES

Among the Odonates of Konni Forest division, Gynacantha bayadera , Paragomphus liniatus , Epithemis mariae , Zygonyx iris , Gomphidia kodaguensis, Agriosnemis splendedisima , Agriosnemis pygmaea , Platysticta deccanensis (Vulnerable-IUCN),

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report Protosticta graveli, Prodasineura verticalis, Ceriagrion rubiae, Pseudagrion malabaricum, Orythrum chrysis are rare or uncommon sightings.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 60 species belonging to 44 genera and 12 families were recorded during the survey (Table 6). The study was conducted only at comparatively easily approachable areas of the Division’s forest because of the inadequate time and limit of transportation and other amenities. The high interior areas of the Konni Forest Division are not included other than the surveyed areas like Adichampara at Kummannoor in Konni Forest Range and Kurichi Pond at Kokkathod in Naduvathumuzhi Forest Range. In fact during the present investigation, 60 species of odonates belonging to 44 genera were observed. Among them, 9 species were rare, which include Epithemis mariae, Gomphidia kodaguensis , Zygonyx iris , Agriosnemis splendedisima , Platysticta deccanensis,, Prodasineura verticalis, Ceriagrion rubiae, Pseudagrion malabaricum are recoded from these areas. Eight species are endemic to Western Ghats and they are Agriocnemis pieris , Pseudagrion malabaricum, Euphaea fraseri, Indolestes gracilis, Platysticta deccanensis, Caconeura ramburi, Gomphidia kodaguensis, Gomphidia kodaguensis. Euphaea fraseri is the most common endemic species recorded in all the survey areas of the Konni Forest Divisions. Kurichi pond is a hot spot of odonates and majority of endemic species were recorded from there. The pond is surrounded by moist deciduous and evergreen forest patches; the edges of the pond have thick vegetation along with moderate growth of aquatic plants. The pond provides unique habitat for many forest species of odonates. Over growth of Mikania micrantha is found as a threat to the surrounding vegetation of the pond. There is a temple near-by to the pond, which is in a dilapidated condition. But local people, still visiting the area for worship occasionally. Any kind of development of this temple will badly affect the entire ecosystem. Habitat characteristics have a significant role in determining the odonate diversity, especially of endemic species. For instance, Kummanoor area possess varied range of habitat like teak plantations, moist deciduous forest, riparian patches, reed clumps etc . Platysticta deccanensis sighted only from the small rocky streams under the shadows of the moist deciduous forest and it is totally absent in plantation area. However many common species are found in teak plantations and fringe areas of the forest in Kummannoor. Endemic species like Caconeura ramburi and Euphaea fraseri have also sighted at Kummanoor. Of these, P. deccanensis Laidlaw, 1915 had been previously reported only from a few locations such as Thrissur, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram districts (Subramanian et al. 2011) and Kollam district. The present survey recorded the presence of four individuals near a small rocky stream in the forest on the way to Adichampara from Kummannoor Forest Station.

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Many of the common species prevalent in village and urban areas are abundantly observed at Naduvathumuzhy. This may be because of the plantations and degraded forests with high level of human interventions. However the water bodies of Naduvathumuzhy are under severe anthropogenic threats which already caused significant damage to the aquatic ecosystem. Brachythemis contaminata predominantly known as a pollution indicator is only recorded from Naduvathumuzhy. Interestingly, some common species prevalent in village and urban areas could not be sited during the present survey from the Konni forest area. Absence of these common species may be due to the altitude variations and the changes in habitat adaptations. . The earlier study conducted at Shenduruni WLS, the nearest Protected area to the Konni forest, recorded 91 species of dragonflies and damselflies (Kalesh et al ., 2012). In this study majority of the species diversity was observed at one swampy region (Kattalappara) and other spots have very little diversity. But in Konni forest area odonate diversity showed high degree of evenness at all surveyed spots. The commonest species observed at both forest areas are same such as Malabar Torrent Dart ( Euphaeafraseri), Yellow Bush Dart ( Coperamarginipes) , and Pied Reed Tail ( Protostictagravelyi). However The Bloodtail ( Lyriothemis tricolor) and Myristica sapphire ( Calocyphalaidlawii) were recored from Shenduruny Sanctuary, but these were not recorded in Konni during the survey. Konni Dragonfly survey covered relatively a small area and during a short period and the area is close proximity to inhabited areas. All the four study areas of Konni Forest shows the number of diversity in species between 28 to 37. This is a significant number especially in this type of disturbed areas. Considering the lapses of the current survey, it is expected more diversity in the study area.

CONCLUSION

The first odonate survey in three sectors of Konni Forest division revealed that the area is rich in odonates, especially the riverine beds and wetlands. About 14 rare or uncommon species, including 8 endemic species were recorded from the area. Considering the short period of the survey, limited area covered and the peculiarities of the season, it can be concluded that the area may have more diversity and density of odonates. Certainly more studies in varied seasons like monsoon, post monsoon and summer will reveal the richness of Odonate Diversity in this unique ecosystem.

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This is the first survey to prepare a checklist of the Odonate of Konni reserve forest; expecting the sighting of more species and the occurrence of the species in climatic variation will reveals in forth coming surveys. We, the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences on this occasion express our sincere gratitude to the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, Konni Forest Division; especially Sri. T. Pradeepkumar IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Konni Forest Division for his whole hearted support and encouragement for this survey. We also like to extend our sincere thanks to Sri. Siyog Patil IFS; Deputy Conservator of Forest, Konni Range, Sri. Nibu Kiran, Sri. Muhammad Anwar; Forest Range Officers Konni and Naduvathumuzhi Range and all the field staff in Konni Forest

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Division for their valuable support and co-operation for the study. We also express our sincere thanks to all the participants and the associates of the survey.

Checklist of the Dragonflies and Damselflies recorded in First Odonate Survey in Konni Forest Division on 7 th to 9 th November 2014

Family: CALOPTERYGIDAE (GLORIES) 1. Stream Glory Neurobasis chinensisis 2. Black-tipped forest glory Vestalis apicalis 3. Clear-winged forest glory Vestalis gracilis Family: CHLOROCIPHIDAE (STREAM JEWEL) 4. River heliodor Libellago Lineata 5. Stream ruby Rhinocypha bisignata Family: COENAGRIONIDAE (MARSH DARTS)

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report 6. Violet Striped Slender Dartlet Aciagrion hisopa 7. Green-striped slender Dartlet Aciagrion occidentale 8. White dartlet Agriocnemis pieris 9. Splendid dartlet Agriocnemis splendidissima 10. Orange-tailed Marsh Dart Ceriagrion cerinorubellum 11. Coromandel Marsh Dart Ceriagrion coromandelianum 12. Orange Marsh Dart Ceriagrion rubiae 13. Golden Dartlet Ischnura aurora 14. Yellow Striped Grass Dart Pseudagrion indicum 15. Jungle Grass Dart Pseudagrion malabaricum Family: EUPHAEIDAE (TORRENT DARTS) 16. Malabar Torrent Dart Euphaea fraseri Family: LESTIDAE (SPREADWINGS) 17. Davenport’s False Spread Wing Indolestes gracilis 18. Sapphire-eyed Spread-wing Lestes praemorsus Family: PLATY CNEMIDIDAE (BUSH DARTS) 19. Yellow Bush Dart Copera marginipes 20. Blue Bush Dart Copera vittata Family: PLATYSTICTIDAE (REEDTAILS) 21. Saffron Reedtail Platysticta deccanensis Vulnerable (IUCN) 22. Pied Reedtail Protosticta gravely Family: PROTONEURIDAE (BAMBOO TAILS) 23. Coorg Bambootail Caconeura ramburi 24. Black Bambootail Prodasineura verticalis Family: AESHNIDAE (DARNERS) 25. Blue darner Anax immaculifrons Family: GOMPHIDAE (CLUBTAILS) 26. Kodagu Clubtail Gomphidia kodaguensis 27. Common Clubtail Ictinogphus rapax 28. Common Hooktail Paragomphus lineatus Family: LIBELLULIDAE (SKIMMERS) 29. Trumpet –tail Acisoma panorpoides 30. Scarlet Marsh Hawk Aethriamanta brevipennis 31. Ditch Jewel Brachythemis contaminata 32. Granite Ghost Bradinopyga geminat 33. Emerald Banded Skinmmer Cratilla lineata 34. Ruddy Marsh Skimmer Crocothemis servilia

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

35. Black-tipped ground Skimmer Diplacodes nebulosa 36. Ground Skimmer Diplacodes trivialis 37. Rubytailed Hawklet Epithemis mariae 38. Umber-winged Marsh Glider Hydrobasileus croceus 39. Asiatic Bloodtail Lathrecista asiatica 40. Forest Skimmer Neurothemis fulvia 41. Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia 42. River Hawker Onychothemis testacea 43. Brown Backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum Chrysis 44. Blue Marsh Hawk Orthetrum glaucum 45. Tricoloured Marsh Hawk Orthetrum luzonicum 46. Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk Orthetrum pruinosum 47. Green Marsh Hawk Orthetrum Sabina 48. Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens 49. Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer Potamarcha congener 50. Rufous Marsh Glider Rhodothemis rufa 51. Blue Wing Rhyothemis triangularis 52. Common Picture Wing Rhyothemis variegata 53. Pigmy Skimmer Tetrathemis platyptera 54. Coral-tailed Cloud-wing Tholymis tillarga 55. Red Marsh Trotter Tramea basilaris 56. Black Marsh Glider Tramea limbata 57. Crimson Marsh Glider Trithemis aurora 58. Black Stream Glider Trithemis festiva 59. Iridescent Stream Glider Zygonyz iris Family: MACROMIIDAE (TORRENT HAWKS) 60 . Coorg Torrent Hawk Macromia ellisoni

Selected References

Fraser, F.C. (1933–34). The Fauna of British India Including Ceylon and Burma . Odonata - Volumes 1–3. Taylor & Francis Ltd., London.

Kalesh, S., Kiran, C.G., and Ramesh, M. 2012. The Odonate Diversity of Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary: A Preliminary Study Report. Submitted to Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department.

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report Kiran, C.G. & D.V. Raju (2013). Dragonflies and damselflies of Kerala (Keralathile Thumbikal ). Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, 156p

Sönke Hardersen. (2001). The role of behavioural ecology of damselflies in the use of fluctuating asymmetry as a Bioindicator of water pollution (pages 45–53) Ecological Entomology Volume 25, Issue 1, Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001)

Subramanian, K.A., F. Kakkassery & M.V. Nair (2011). The status and distribution of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the Western Ghats , pp 63–72.

PLATE I

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Neurobasis chinensis Male Vestalis apicalis Male

Vestalis gracilis Male Libellago lineata Female

Rhinocypha bisignata Male Aciagrion hisopa Male

Aciagrion occidentale Agriocnemis pieris Male

PLATE II

Agriocnemis splendidissima Male Ceriagrion cerinorubellum

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report Ceriagrion coromandelianum Ceriagrion olivaceum

Ceriagrion rubiae Ischnura aurora

Pseudagrion indicum Pseudagrion malabaricum

PLATE III

Euphaea fraseri Indolestes gracilis

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Lestes praemorsus Copera maginipes

Copera vittata Platysticta deccanensis

Protosticta gravely Caconeura ramburi

PLATE IV

Prodasineura verticalis Anax immaculifrons

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report Gomphidia kodaguensis Ictinogophus rapax

Paragophus lineatus Acisoma panopoides

Aethriamanta brevipennis Brachythemis contaminate

PLATE V

Bradinopyga geminate Cratilla lineate

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Crocothemis servilia Diplocodes nebulosa

Hydrobasileus croceus Lathrecista asiatica

Diplacodes trivialis Apithemis marie

PLATE VI

Neurothemis fulvia Neurothemis tullia

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report Onychothemis testacea Orthetrum chrysis

Orthetrum glaucum Orthetrum luzonicum

Orthetrum pruinosum Orthetrum Sabina

PLATE VII

Pantala flavescens Potamarcha congene

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Rhodothemis rufa Rhyothemis triangularis

Rhyothemis variegate Tetrathemis platyptera

Tholymis tillarga Tramea basilaris

PLATE VIII

Tramea limbata Trithemis aurora

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report Trithemis festiva Trithemis pallidinervis

Macromia ellisoni

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report

Report of the First Konni Odonate Survey

(7-9th November 2014)

Organized by: DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICE, KONNI & TROPICAL INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES (TIES) Ecological Research Campus, Velloor P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, India. Pin. 686 501. Tel.: +91 481 2503988; 09497290339E mail: [email protected]; Website: www.ties.org.in 37

Konni Odonate Survey, 2015 - Report