Pune Dragonflies Under Threat as Urbanisation Grows
The dragonfly population in Pune is undergoing a significant transformation, with eight species vanishing while 27 new species have emerged, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU). The findings, published in the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, suggest that unplanned urbanisation, increasing water pollution, and climate change have contributed to local extinctions. Simultaneously, the emergence of new species can be attributed to enhanced biodiversity documentation, aided by citizen science initiatives and advanced ecological studies.
The study, titled ‘Odonata Diversity in the Timescape of Pune District Adjoining the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot’, was led by Dr Pankaj Koparde from the Department of Environmental Studies at MIT-WPU, along with PhD scholar Arajush Payra and alumnus Ameya Deshpande. The researchers analysed both historical and contemporary data to map dragonfly populations across Pune. Between 2019 and 2022, they collected primary data from 52 locations while reviewing archival records dating back to the mid-19th century. Their analysis identified Warje, Vetal Hills, and Pashan Lake as biodiversity hotspots within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. Additionally, the presence of five endemic species from the Western Ghats highlights Pune’s crucial ecological role in sustaining Odonata diversity.
Dragonflies are often regarded as indicators of ecological health, playing a crucial role in controlling mosquito populations and maintaining biodiversity. “Their ecological function is akin to that of tigers in forests. Their decline signals environmental degradation,” explained Dr Koparde. The study notes that earlier biodiversity assessments lacked the depth made possible by modern scientific methods and citizen-led documentation. However, researchers also stress the need for immediate conservation efforts to protect urban green and blue spaces. MIT-WPU is now conducting further studies to assess the impact of urban expansion and water pollution on dragonflies along the Mula River. Long-term monitoring programmes are being developed to understand how these changes affect dragonfly populations over time.
From a sustainability perspective, the research underscores the urgent need for balancing urban development with ecosystem conservation. The depletion of natural habitats due to infrastructure expansion and pollution has exacerbated biodiversity loss. “Conserving hills, grasslands, rivers, and lakes is imperative if we are to mitigate the effects of urbanisation,” said Arajush Payra, one of the study’s co-researchers. The research forms part of a broader initiative on dragonfly diversity across the Western Ghats, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Scientists hope their findings will inspire further studies on biodiversity shifts and encourage the establishment of conservation policies aligned with sustainable urban planning.
