The world of dragonflies and damselflies recently took center stage as the World Wide Fund for Nature in India (WWF-India), in partnership with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), conducted a census of these fascinating creatures and celebrated Dragonfly Day on August 18th. Conducted in New Delhi and surrounding areas, this marked the second such event dedicated to the study and celebration of these insects. Beyond simply appreciating their beauty, however, this focus on dragonflies and damselflies serves a larger ecological purpose.
Dragonflies: More Than Just Pretty Faces
The study and monitoring of dragonfly and damselfly populations forms an integral part of assessing the health of our ecosystems. These insects are significant bio-indicators. Acting like natural biosensors, they provide insight into the overall state of the environment. This is due to their dependence on clean water and healthy habitats, making their presence and diversity a good marker for environmental quality.
Additionally, dragonflies play a critical role in keeping populations of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects in check. As predators, they feed on pests that act as vectors for dangerous diseases like Malaria and Dengue.
A Glimpse into the Past: The First Dragonfly Census
This year’s dragonfly census wasn’t the first of its kind. The inaugural event took place in 2018, revealing a significant variety of species in the region. In total, field workers counted 51 different types of dragonflies and damselflies in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
| Year | Number of Species Counted |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 51 |
The Importance of Bioindicators
Bioindicators are living organisms that offer valuable information about the health of an ecosystem. They come in many forms, including plants, animals, plankton, and microbes, each providing data on different environmental aspects.
For instance, lichens serve as powerful bioindicators of air quality. They absorb pollutants from the air, with certain species only thriving in clean environments. Their presence or absence can speak volumes about local air quality.
Likewise, frogs are deeply affected by changes to their freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Changes in frog populations or behaviour can indicate issues with water quality or the health of the overall ecosystem.
Algae blooms, often signifying large increases of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates in bodies of water, also act as bioindicators. Their sudden appearance can signal that water pollution is getting out of control and prompt measures to rectify the situation.
Through the use of bioindicators like dragonflies, we can ensure our environment remains healthy and balanced for all creatures that call it home.
