Sanjay Dattatray Paunikar
Abstract
Odonates are a diverse group of insect belongs to suborder Anisoptera (Dragonflies) and Zygoptera (Damselflies) showing remarkable diversity in aquatic biomes. To explore the diversity of Odonates regular survey was conducted in different forest ranges, ponds, lakes, rivers and nallahs in and surrounding areas of Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, during February 2024 to November 2025. The data were recorded for consecutive four surveys (40 days). During study, line transects method and direct visual count methods were applied. A total of 42 species under 28 genera and 7 families of Odonata were recorded. Of which a high diversity of dragonflies was seen compared to damselflies. Dragonflies were 27 (64.28%) species 19(67.85 %) genera in 3 families and Damselflies were 15 (35.71%) species, 9 (21.42%) genera under 3 families were observed and recorded. Libellulidae was found to be the most species-rich family in Dragonflies followed by Aeshnidae and Gomphidae and Coenagrionidae was found to be most species -rich family followed by Lestidae, Platycnemididae and Chlorocyphidae in Damselflies. Of the total 42 species 15 (35.71%) were very common, 15 (35.71%) were common, 10 (23.80%) rare and 2 (4.76%) very rare in occurrence in the study area.