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Check List 10(4): 857–863, 2014 © 2014 Check List and Authors Chec List ISSN 1809-127X (available at www.checklist.org.br) Journal of species lists and distribution pecies S

of An Investigation of Odonate Communities within Wadi ists L Sayq, Dhofar Province, (Insecta: ) Lawrence Ball E-mail: [email protected] University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK

Abstract:

Two research expeditions surveyed Odonata communities within Wadi Sayq, a coastal wadi system 20 km in length, situated in the southwest Jabal Qamar mountain range, Dhofar Province of Oman. Sample collection was undertaken fromRhyothemis 2 to 29 Februarysemihyalina 2012, and from 6 February to 7 March 2013. Eight hundred and ninety seven individuals were recorded belonging to 20 species and tillarga (Fabricius, 1798) is new for the Arabian Peninsula. A single record of (Desjardins, 1832) increases significantly the known distribution range of this species in Arabia to the West. Reasons for the observed temporal and spatial variation in community composition are explored and notes on species preferences are included.

DOI: 10.15560/10.4.857

Introduction also exist as Oman’s most biodiverse landscape, which was

Sixty four species of Odonata are known from the Materialsconfirmed during and Methods our multidisciplinary survey. Arabian Peninsula (117 including thepers. Levant), comm. among which 42 have been found in Oman and 32 recorded from the Dhofar region (J.-P. Boudot ). The Because of the difficulty of moving through the rugged odonate fauna of Oman is largely of African origin, with terrain of the wadi, survey sites were identified throughout some additional species being Indo-Asian, Central Asian the duration of the 2012 research period, as they were or Arabian endemics (Schneider and Dumont 1997; see discovered. Eleven sites showed worthwhile populations also Feulner and Judas 2013). Many of the species that of Odonata for surveying (figure 1). have colonised Arabia are widespread on the African Site A (16°44′44″ N, 53°13′50″ E; 420 m a.s.l.): Although continent and invaded the Levant and the Mediterranean mostly arid, this area does contain a localised fresh water coasts using the Red Sea coast of Arabia (Schneider 1985) source creating a series of flowing pools for around 100 and the Nile valley (Dumont 1980). Several of the Asian m and accompanying vegetation. The levels in these species have ranges spanning continents. Varying levels pools fluctuated every few days and occasionally dried up of precipitation across the Arabian Peninsula control the completely. GrazingTypha occurred and Phragmites at this location, minimising distribution of odonate species, showing higher levels the spread of vegetation along the edges of the stream and of diversity in areas with higher rainfall. For example, shortening the to knee height. the coastal mountain ranges support many more Site B (16°44′29″ N, 53°16′58″ E; 170 m a.s.l.): The species than the arid interior (Waterston and Pittaway water level in this 5x1 m concrete livestock watering 1991). trough, fed by a pipe from the neighbouring village, varied The mouth of Wadi Sayq (Khor Kharfut) (16°43′48″ N, greatly and was probably too temporary for even the most 53°20′11″ E) is located on the southern coast of Dhofar, rapidly developing larvae to colonise. approximately 25 km from the border. The length of Site C (16°44′3″ N, 53°18′43″ E; 90 m a.s.l.): Two the valley remains undeveloped for a distance of 11 km to temporary pools persisted for several months into the the west, where upon As Sultan Qaboos Street andAcacia a minor and 2012 dry season, on account of them being deep and Boswelliaroad intercept the valley. Monsoon woodland predominatesAcacia cover shaded. The water that remained was coloured green and on the steep slopes and gullies, and species of partially stagnant. Over the research period the level of the are common. Grasses, shrubs and water dropped within these pools. No emergent vegetation the plateau environments of the valley shoulders, and was present however they were in close proximity to the the gravel plains of the estuary are dominated by reeds, dense vegetation of the valley sides. Water was absent grasses and stands of date palm. In the upper stretches, from these pools in 2013. the smoothened rock of the wadi bottom is scattered with Site D (16°44’6″ N, 53°19′17″ E; 35 m a.s.l.): A site at the large white marble boulders and vegetation is sparse. The joining of three large valleys incorporating the boulder- impacts of overgrazing by cattle and camels can be noticed strewn wadi bed and scattered shrubs. Water was absent. throughout the wadi apart from in the most inaccessible Site E (16°44′2″ N, 53°19′39″ E; 25 m a.s.l.): Several locations. Despite this, Wadi Sayq is considered one of the large freshwater pools occur in the lower reaches of the greenest valleys in the Dhofar mountain range and may wadi, approximately 1 km from the coast. At this point857 Ball | Odonate in Wadi Sayq, Oman

the estuarine plain meets the ‘V’ shaped valley and large Site K (16°43′52″ N, 53°20′22″ E; 8 m a.s.l.): A coastal boulders become the prominent feature. The largest pool site measuring 100×60 m located behind the at the western end of the site measures approximately beach. 50x40 m and a gravel island has formed in the centre of A focal area for surveys incorporated the verdant the pool. The western end of this pool becomes gradually estuarine environment, as this boasted the highest shallower, the substrate transitioning from mud to gravel abundance of . Survey site boundaries to meet the plain. Above this, a deep pool measuring were loosely set for each site to incorporate the key approximately 30×25 m is fed by a smaller pool measuring aquatic features, but were often determined by the approximately 15×15 m. Both are contained within gravel surrounding environment. All surveys were undertaken banks and submerged boulders. It is understood these in good weather conditions favourable for pools emanate from three underground springs and activity. represent the largest source of fresh water in the wadi. Two to four surveyors used 400 mm white aerial nets Reports from local people and our advanced party in 2011 to collect individuals. Attempts were made to minimise suggest they persist reliably year round although the water discrimination between the individuals caught. Once levels appear to fluctuate. The presence of fishTamarindus supports caught, the individuals were identified to species level indicathis information. Some Ficusrelatively large trees were able to and their gender noted. They were then marked with nail survive in this area including wild tamarind ( varnish to avoid double counting, and released. Specimens ) and fruiting fig ( ). The firm ground makes this were collected only when absolutely necessary. A location highly suitable for cattle to drink, with the resident specimen collection permit was issued by the Oman herd observedTypha to visit this area regularly. Trees and bushes Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and are present where the sides of the valley steepen. Small specimens were donated to the Oman Natural History stands of were present in 2012 whereas in 2013 ResultsMuseum in Muscat. denseTypha, stands Phragmites, of reeds andJuncus rushes surrounded the pools. Site F (16°44’0″ N, 53°19′55″ E; 12 m a.s.l.): An area of and grasses, fed by a natural The list and the abundance of the species recorded spring throughout the year, forms a marsh on the northern in Wadi Sayq are shown in Figure 2. Eight hundred side of the plain for a distance of approximately 800 m, arteriosaand ninety seven individuals were collected, belonging reaching the rear of the beach. Site F incorporates an area to 20 of the 32 species known from Dhofar. of this habitat measuring approximately 200x60 m. This (Burmeister, 1839) was the most commonly area is grazed regularly, limiting the spread of vegetation occurring species, accounting for over a third (34.9%) to the gravel plain. It was also heavily trampled and muddy of all records. This chrysostigma species was recorded at 9 of the 11 in places. survey locations and was the dominant taxon at 3 of Site G (16°43′54″ N, 53°20′1″ E; 5 m a.s.l.) and Site H them. (Burmeister, 1839) was (16°43′56″ N, 53°20′3″ E; 9 m a.s.l.): Similar characteristics the second most abundant species, accounting senegalensis for 15.2 to site F, but at the interface between the spring-fed marsh % of the total individuals collected during the survey, and and the saline lagoons. was the dominant species at site F. Site I (16°43′50″ N, 53°20′4″ E; 4 m a.s.l.) and Site (Rambur, 1842) was the most common , and the J (16°43′53″ N, 53°20′13″ E; 6 m a.s.l.): A pair of saline third most common species in Wadi Sayq, recorded on 86 lagoons occur behind the beach. These are mostlyScylla serratashallow occasions. Sites on the estuarine plain boasted notably and flooded during high spring tides, and also fed by fresh higher species richness relative to other sites. The local water from the marsh. Giant mud crab ( ) dominant species varied according to the characteristics and various fish species were observed here. The area of each site (FigureTholymis 2), tillargaand also from one year to another is sparsely vegetated due to grazing pressure. Two sites (Figure 3). Additionally, a species new to the Arabian measuring approximately 80×50 m were surveyed on the Peninsula, (Fabricius, 1798), was northern and southern sides of the estuary. found.

Figure 1.

Satellite image of Wadi Sayq showing the locations of survey sites A–K. 858 Ball | Odonate in Wadi Sayq, Oman

Figure 2.

Heat map showing species abundance and community composition at sites A–K.

Figure 3.

Comparison of species abundance in 2012 and 2013.

859 Ball | Odonate in Wadi Sayq, Oman

Comments on the species T. arteriosa,dominant T. over annulata most and other O. chrysostigma perching Libellulid were the species. most was found in abundance at However this was not the case within Wadi Sayq, where unvegetated temporary rock pool in the wadi describedbottom and T. occurredarteriosa in lower numbers at vegetated sites. abundant perching species. This patternT. arteriosa was probably dominates due These findings disagree with Giere and Hadrys (2006),Trithemis who bareto the rock aquatic habitats, habitat where types C. present erythraea in the wadi during the arteriosa as an indicator for permanent water survey period. Our data shows that C. erythraea is bodies like reedy pools, streamsOrthetrum or . chrysostigma, T. arteriosa has little presence. Orthetrum seems sabina to inhabit environmentsCrocothemis less favoured erythraea by However,Orthetrum at the sabina vegetated aquatic habitats, other common species such as more abundant and ceases to dominate. Orthetrum chrysostigma (Drury, 1770) and was first recorded for the Arabian (Brullé, 1832). Peninsula in SalalahO. chrysostigma during the 1977 Oman Flora and is largely heterogenic in its Fauna Survey (Waterston, 1980). It is a widespread species habitat preference but has been described as a species of and, coupled with , is probably the most open flowing water in boulder strewn valleys, where it rests abundant of its in Arabia (Schneider and Dumont vertically on rock faces (Waterston and Pittaway, 1991). 1997). It did not occur at the bare rock pool environments Contrastingly, within Wadi Sayq it inhabits estuarine reed at sites A–D but was present at all other sites. This beds, vegetated freshwater pools and lotic environments confirms the habitat preferences reported by Waterston in bare wadi bottoms. It was not found at sites J and K, and andPantala Pittaway flavescens (1991), namely vegetated and overgrown Ischnuraonly a single senegalensis individual was recorded at site I, suggesting a water bodies. negative preference for saline pools. (Fabricius, 1798) was recorded was first recorded for the Arabian throughout Wadi Sayq and was the only species observed Peninsula within Wadi Sayq during the 1977 Oman Flora on the dry plateau of the valley shoulders. Several males and Fauna Survey (Waterston, 1980), and the species were quite red in colour as mentioned by Giles (1998). It is known to be abundant in Dhofar (Waterston and was also observed swarming at height near a floweringet al Pittaway 1991). It occupied vegetated freshwater realms tree, presumably hunting pollinating . A similar at sites E, F, H and I. These marshes were heavily grazed behaviourOrthetrum was ransonnetii previously reported by Feulner . by cattle and polluted by their dung. Site I was partially (2007). saline due to regular tidal fluctuations of the freshwater- (Brauer, 1865) is an eremic seawater interface. One male individual was abnormally species extending from southwest Asia across Arabia and black and lacked the bluepers. metallic comm reflection on the second the Sahara to (Juillerat and Monnerat, 2009; abdominal segment, whichCeriagrion is an unknown glabrum feature for this etBoudot al. and De Knijf, 2012). It shows a patchy distribution species (K.-D. Dijkstra .). and is considered rare throughout mostet of al. its range (Boudot The presence of (Burmeister, 2009). This species is poorly known and has only 1839) at sites A, E, F and H illustrates its preference for been recorded from the UAE (Feulner 2007; Feulner vegetated habitats and agreeset with al. findings by Waterston 2008; Reimeret al. 2008), Northern Oman (Waterston and and Pittawayet al (1991), Schneider and Dumont (1997), Pittaway, 1991; Schneider andet al.Dumont 1997; Giles 1998; Feulner (1999) and Feulner (2007). Feulner (1999) Reimer 2009) and Dhofar, with a single record from and Feulner . (2007) comment on its association with both Western Yemen (Carfi 1995) and West Saudi dead and dry reeds, which is confirmed by this study as Arabia (Lambret and Boudot 2009). No published records the species was highly abundant at site F, the only site with are available from coastal Dhofar near Salalah, where dry reed beds. The semi-stagnant water here was shallow Odonate research is commonly undertaken. This species and polluted by cattle dung and had trampled emergent was collected at sites A and C, with 20 of the 21 individuals vegetation, which confirms findings by Schneider and present at Site A, indicating the habitat here was suitable Dumont (1997), who explained that this species prefers to support a viable population. Both sites were sparsely stagnantTrithemis water annulata bodies. It rarely strayed from within the vegetated, bareT. rockarteriosa being the prominent feature as usual emergent vegetation. for O.this chrysostigma species. At both sites the odonate communities were (Palisot de Beauvois, T. 1807) arteriosa was twodominated Orthetrum by but at Site A healthy populationset al. found to be locally abundant at sites E, F andT. annulata I. It may was be of persisted, which confirms that these outcompeted for territories at other sitesIschnura by evansi to O. chrysostigma species persist syntopically (Feulner (Martens, 2010)., O. At chrysostigma, Saqamqam in O. the sabina UAE, and C. erythraea 2007). It was observed exhibiting very similar behaviour found amongst a community comprising , although perching more often on (Morton, 1919) bareMacrodiplax rock faces cora and making longer flights along the in date groves and vegetable gardens irrigated from a stream. perennial spring (Waterston and Pittaway, 1991). The (Kaup in Brauer, 1867) is an Oriental same communities were observed in Wadi Sayq at sites E migrant that is resident in Dhofar. The first Arabian record and F, where a vegetated marsh was supplied with water of this species came from Salalah (Schneider and Dumont, fromCrocothemis a perennial erythraea spring. Similar communities probably 1997). It is a salt tolerant species which breeds in coastal exist in such habitats throughout the Arabian Peninsula. lagoons, mangroves and estuaries (Sharma, 2010). It was was present at 8 of theet al11 survey recorded behind theAzuragrion beach and nigridorsum at the saline lagoons in sites albeit often in low numbers, illustrating its ability to Wadi Sayq. adapt to a wide spectrum of habitats. Feulner . (2007) Only 6 males of (Selys, 1876) reported for the UAE that the males of this species are were collected, exclusively at site E, which is the only860 Ball | Odonate in Wadi Sayq, Oman

freshwater site with open pools and emergent vegetation and Dumont 1998). According to Waterston and Pittaway not disturbedTypha by sp. cattle and not polluted from their dung. (1991), the specimens from Dhofar conform to the prevalent This species, which is mostly found at rest on horizontal African morphotype, showing reduced dark areas in the stemsAnax of ephippiger lying on the water’s surface, is therefore hind wings and no dark colouring on the forewings. The probably sensitive to stagnant water conditions. single specimen collected within Wadi Sayq during this (Burmeister, 1839) is widespread research also conforms to this description and increases throughout the Arabian Peninsula, including the desert significantly the known distribution range of this species interior, due to its preadaptation to survive under arid in Arabia to the West, reaching almost the Yemeni border. conditions (Schneider, 1988). This species was the only It should be searched for in additional suitable habitats odonate species recorded during the Rub al Khali phase of on the southern coastline of Arabia (Clausnitzer 2006). the expedition reported by this author. Records from 1978 Although this species has been described flying in groups described an influx of subadults at Thumrait (Waterston (Waterston and Pittaway, 1991), only a singleR. semihyalina individual and Pittaway, 1991), a service station in the desert 145 km was recorded within Wadi Sayq during our research period. from our desert location.et al. Its breeding status within Arabia Waterston and Pittaway (1991) explain that is relatively unknown but egg-laying was documented in populations spread out after the monsoon rains and can be the TholymisUAE (Feulner tillarga 2007). No reproductive behaviour found in small populations within wadis on the seaward was observed during the present research. slopes of the southern Dhofar Mountains. The research is a new species for the Arabian undertaken for this paper took place at the end of the dry Peninsula. This species is widespread throughout sub- season, so further pygmaea research after the monsoon rains could Saharan Africa, Asia, Australia and the Indian Ocean reveal larger populations in the area. islands and has been recorded from southeast (Rambur, 1842) is one of the (Heidari and Dumont 2002). This wide range is linked few odonate species in Oman of Oriental origin. It was to its well-known migratory activity (Clausnitzer 2011). only known from one specimen until 2009 when the late The male and female collected in Wadi Sayq were found Robert Reimer recorded 16 individuals in a khor in Dhofar. at site E, just before the onset of dusk. Here, the male These insects are very small (wingspan 24 mm) and so was observed hawking close to the ground along lengths the records from Oman could be attributed to wind-borne of a shallow marshy pool. Several minutes later a female migrations (Schneider and Dumont, 1997). They occupy a was recorded ovipositing by dipping her abdomen into variety of natural and man-made habitats and the larvae the water’s surface and releasing the eggs. This breeding commonly occur amongst aquatic weeds and algae. A evidence may suggest that these individuals could have Discussionsingle individual was recorded at Site E in Wadi Sayq. been resident in Wadi Sayq, rather than passing through on migration. This species is tolerant to disturbance and is common at pools and swamps in bush, woodland and One of the key patterns observed in this research habitats, where its crepuscular activity may cause it is the variation in community composition from the to be overlooked (Clausnitzer 2011). Its occurrence within estuarine vegetated environments to the upper valley Wadi Sayq, one of the greenest valleys in Dhofar, could be rock pool environments. The vegetated estuarine sites expected, as the Dhofar Mountains constitute an arboreal boasted higher species richness and a greater number of refugiumNesciothemis where furtherfarinosa Afrotropical taxa are likely to be uncommon species than the rock pool sites. This is due discovered (Schneider and Krupp 1993). to the fact that lentic habitats support more species of (Förster, 1898) has only been and than lotic habitats, and recorded from Southern Oman and Yemen within Arabia, that these two families are dominant in the Omani odonate with a single record from southwest (Lambret fauna. Additionally, the presence of livestock at the estuary and Boudot 2009). Only two individuals of this species will attract a greater concentration of prey for predatory were recorded in Wadi Sayq and both occurred at site O.F, insects like Odonata. chrysostigmawhere a rich dragonfly community was favoured by an area Species composition during the 2013 research period of reeds, rushes and grasses. This species occurred with was found to be considerably different to that of the 2012 Ischnura, an abundantevansi specimens and similar were looking recorded species, at sites so research period (Figure 3). This may be partially attributed efforts should be etmade al to separate them in the field. I. to the effects of the late monsoon rains in November 2011. evansiTwo was considered the dominant Ischnura species at Flash floods ripped out most of the vegetation from the E and F. Feulner . (2007) explained that in the UAE environmentalestuarine plain conditionsleaving a barren T. arteriosa environment and O. chrysostigma with only a seems warranted to determine the extent to which Ischnura few pools where the vegetation could recover. Under these senegalensismountain sites. They explained ″closer investigation now with I. evansi I. senegalensis was the were found to dominate. In contrast, the 2013 expedition may also inhabit mountain sites sympatrically marshes,experienced and a here more I. verdantsenegalensis estuarine and T. plain, annulata covered were in Ischnura fountaineae″. Within Wadi Sayq grasses, with a greater number of pools and vegetated dominant species. Establishing the presence/absence of (Morton, 1905) within Wadisemihyalina Sayq is found to dominate. If suitable habitat is not present, species required to determine its south-easterly extent in Arabia. will fail to reproduce successfully and become vulnerable The Arabian population of to predation. The length of the larval step of the various is confined to coastal Dhofar and most likely constitutes local species will also affect community composition after a relict population from past colonisation persisting in a a flush wiping out several generations of larvae, as the new tropical pocket (Waterston and Pittaway 1991; Schneider native species will emerge in different years, depending 861on Ball | Odonate in Wadi Sayq, Oman

their own generation length. Wadi Sayq during the summer would be valuable to fully In 2012, 84% of the dragonflies recorded were males, Conclusionunderstand the communities in existence. whereas in 2013 only 63% were males. It is suspected the greater amount of vegetation cover in 2013 provided suitable resting and feeding habitats for females closer The odonate fauna within Wadi Sayq comprises 20 of to the water bodies, making more female individuals to the 32 species recorded for the whole of Dhofar, as well be recorded close to the wadi bed. In 2012 the lack of as one new record for the whole Arabian Peninsula. This vegetation on the estuarine plain was forcing females to significant proportion illustrates the richness of the local restUrothemis and feed furtherthomasi away in the shrubs and trees at the ecosystem. Although there is little scientific literature base of the valley sides. covering the microhabitat preferences and community (Longfield, 1932) is listed as composition of the Arabian Odonata, this remains an endangered by the IUCN with only eight specimens important field of research. Odonates are sensitive towards collected in Oman and four from (Boudot 2006). changes in their habitat and so understanding community Despite records from Dhofar, it is suspected the remaining structure at various habitats is crucial when implementing population is very small, hence it was regrettably conservation strategies or planning development. Aquatic unrecorded in our survey. However it was recently found habitats in arid regions are super-sensitive to human in a new locality in the , in a recently impacts where only low levels of change can rapidly affect created NationalPinheyschna Park (Feulner yemenensis and Judas 2013). the ecological balance (Schneider and Krupp 1993). Thus, Four Arabian endemics were not recorded in this the protection of these sites is important, not only for research. (Waterston, 1985) is dragonflies, but also for the wider biodiversity. known from eight recordset al. in the SarawatArabicnemis Mountains caerulea in west Yemen and has yet to be recorded in east Yemen or Oman (Schneider 2013a). Acknowledgments: (Waterston, 1984) has a disjunct distribution in Yemen, The author wishes to gratefully acknowledge the northern Oman and the UAE but increasing records for this support of the British Exploring Society, the Office for Conservation of the Environment, and the Diwan of Royal Court, Oman in undertaking species suggest it is well established in Southern Arabia this study. Special thanks also go to the Anglo-Omani Society, Shell etand al. its presencePseudagrion could be expectedarabicum in Dhofar (Schneider Development Oman LLC and the Sandy and Zorica Glen Charitable and Dumont 1997; Schneider and Nasher 2013; Schneider Settlement for their generous financial support. I also thank Terry Fones and Soo Redshaw for their leadership, James Borrell and the expedition 2013b). (Waterston, 1980) is members for their help with data collection, and Hadi Hikmani for his a rare high mountain specieset of al. arid realms and has been logistical and scientific supervision. I would also like to thank Jean-Pierre recorded on nine occasionsArabineura from southwest khalidi Saudi Arabia Boudot for his extremely helpful comments on the manuscript and the and west Yemen (Schneider 2013c). It is unlikely to Literaturelate Robert Reimer Cited for his guidance prior to the expedition. be recorded at Wadi Sayq. et al. (Schneider, Fauna of Saudi Arabia 1988) is endemic to the UAE and northern Oman Al-Safadi M.M. 1990. Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Yemen Arab Republic. 11: 18–30 (http://www.cabdirect.org/ (SchneiderLindenia and tetraphylla Dumont 1997, Schneider 2013d) and abstracts/19921162995.html;jsessionid=F8B378335660611B9523Urothemis thomasi IUCN Red List of is unlikely to reach Dhofar. 586DDD9B83F3#).Threatened Species (Vander Linden, 1825) is a Boudot J.-P. 2006. , in: IUCN 2013. . Version 2013.2. Accessible at http://www. widespread migratory species ranging from Europe to iucnredlist.org/. Captured on 14 March 2014.Martinia Central Asia. It has only been recorded at Wadi Darbat Boudot J.-P. and G. De Knijf. 2012. Nouvelles données sur les Odonates in Dhofar (Schneider and Dumont 1997; Reimer 2009). du Maroc oriental et méridional (Odonata). 28 (1/2): 1–28 (http://www.researchgate.net/publication/232612680_Nouvelles_ It is likely this species may be found in suitable habitats donnes_sur_les_Odonates_du_Maroc_oriental_et_mridional_ at Wadi Sayq. In addition, we were unable to find some of, (Odonata)). theUrothemis most famous edwardsii Afrotropical species previously, reportedlimbata Boudot J.-P., V.J. Kalkman, M. Azpilicueta Amorín, T. Bogdanović, A. Cordero Rivera, G. Degabriele, J.-L. Dommanget,Atlas S.of the Ferreira, Odonata B. from this wadi or from, other areas sublacteum in Dhofar, namely ofGarrigós, the Mediterranean M. Jović, M. andKotarac, North W. Africa Lopau,Libellula M. Marinov, Supplement N. Mihoković, E. , Azuragrion somalicum (Selys, amitinum 1849) , Riservato, B. Samraoui and W. Schneider. 2009. 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Accessible at http://www. winter months for most species. A study undertaken by iucnredlist.org/. Captured on 15 May 2012. The Journal of Water Al-Safadi (1990) in the subtropical Yemen Mountains DumontSupply H.J. and 1980. Management The dragonfly fauna of and the role of the Nile in its origin and composition (Insecta: Odonata). glabrum and revealed that both species density and relative abundance Pseudagrion decorum Tribulus 4: 29–34. of the various Odonata species were four times higher Feulner G.R. 1999. Two new UAE : in summer than in winter in both lowland and highland . 9 (2): 31 (http://www.enhg.org/Newsletter of the Dubai Naturalportals/1/trib/V09N2/TribulusV09N2p31.pdf). History Group asenvironments. the environmental This increase and climatic in dragonfly conditions numbers are similar would Feulner G.R. 2008. Dragonfly detectives. (Gazelle). probably also occur in the Southern Dhofar mountains 23(11): 4–5. Accessible at http://www.enhg. org/dubai/gazelle/Gazelle200811.pdf. Captured on 28 May 2012. Feulner G.R. and J. Judas. 2013. First UAE records of two Odonata: the to that of subtropical Yemen. Further research within 862 Ball | Odonate in Wadi Sayq, Oman

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Received: January 2014 , Beihefte TAVO A. 28: 114–123 (http://biblio.ebaf.edu/ Accepted: June 2014 nho cgi-bin/koha/opac-ISBDdetail.pl?biblionumber=379226). Published online: September 2014 Schneider W. 1988. Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Wahiba Sands and Editorial responsibility: Luiz Carlos de Pi

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