ASSESSMENT OF ODONATES ASSEMBLAGE IN FLOWING

AND STAGNANT WATER HABITAT IN KAPILVASTU,

NEPAL

MILAN ARYAL

A PROJECT PAPER SUBMITTED TO TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY, INSTITUTE

OF FORESTRY, POKHARA CAMPUS, POKHARA IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE IN FORESTRY

May 2019

I
ASSESSMENT OF ODONATES ASSEMBLAGE IN FLOWING AND STAGNANT
WATER HABITAT IN KAPILVASTU, NEPAL

Researcher:
Milan Aryal
TU Reg. No.: 5-2-0050-0291-2013
Email: [email protected]
B.Sc. Forestry, Final Year

Supervisor:
Jeevnath Pandey
(Associate Professor)
Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus,
Email: [email protected]

A project paper submitted to Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus,

Pokhara in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Forestry

May 2019

II
© Milan Aryal, May 2019
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +9779847202360

Tribhuvan University,
Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus,
Pokhara, Nepal
P.O. Box 43, Hariyokharka, Pokhara
Website: www.iofpc.edu.np

CITATION:
Aryal, M. (2019). ASSESSMENT OF ODONATES ASSEMBLAGE IN FLOWING AND
STAGNANT WATER HABITAT IN KAPILVASTU, NEPAL. A B.Sc. Project paper
submitted to Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara.

III
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work presented in this project paper has been done by myself and has
not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any degree. All sources of information have
been duly acknowledged by reference to the author(s) or institution(s).

…………………...........
09 May 2019 Milan Aryal

I
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

II
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am highly indebted to a number of people who helped me to complete this study at various
stages of its progress.

First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor Mr.
Jeevnath Pandey, Associate Professor, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara who
always guided, suggested, supported, encouraged and responded gladly sparing his precious
time from very beginning to end of this study.

I am thankful to Ms. Nirjala Raut, Assistant professor, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus,
Pokhara for her constructive comments, suggestions and guidance during the study.

I would like to extend my humble gratitude to Mrs. Karen Coniff, for her very precious help
during the identification and confirmation of the Odonates species and other taxonomic queries.

I would like to thank Mr. Manoj Sharma for his precious help from the beginning of the study.

I deserve large share of thanks to Mr. Kritagya Gyawali, Ms. Shristee Panthee & Ms. Smarika
Bhattarai for their continuous support, motivation and help during the study.

I am thankful to Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara, Batchmates (2071-2075) for

their direct and indirect support.

I am extremely grateful to my Shirish family for providing such an intellect environment

throughout the journey.

I am grateful to all the friends, seniors, juniors, teaching and non-teaching staffs of Institute of
Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara who directly and indirectly helped and encouraged me to
complete this study.

Finally, I owe a sincere gratitude to my family for their great inspiration, love, motivation and
encouragement at every step.

III
 ABSTRACT:
Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are one of the earliest insect groups. Their sensitivity to
environmental conditions makes Odonates excellent biological indicators of environmental
conditions. This study intends to explore Odonata assemblage in two different habitats
(Flowing and stagnant water). Observation of Odonates was confined in Jagadishpur Lake and
Banganga River of Kapilvastu, Nepal. 100m line transect was created in 10 observation sites
purposively across each habiats. The observed & photographed Odonates were identified using
field guide. Shannon-Weiner (H’) diversity index was used to calculate the diversity of species
in different habitats, Margalef’s Richness (DMg) Index was used to determine species richness
and Bray-curtis Dissimilarity Index (BCij) was used to determine the compositional
dissimilarity between two different sites. Altogether, a total of 703 individuals (307 individuals
at Baanganga river and 396 individuals at Jagadishpur lake) of 38 species of Odonata belonging
to 21 genera and 4 families were recorded during study period. Among them, 18 species under
8 genera and 2 families were damselflies and 20 species under 13 genera and 2 families were
dragonflies. Among which, Jagadishpur lake harbored a total of 28 species consisting of 15
species of damselflies and 13 species of dragonflies. Whereas, Baanganga river harbored a total
of 23 species consisting of 9 species of damselflies and 14 species of dragonflies. Both the
study sites shared a total of 13 species comprising 6 species of damselflies and 7 species of
dragonflies. The Shannon-Weiner index (Jagadishpur Lake: H' = 3.099; Baanganga River: H'
= 2.857) vary slightly among two habitats. Margalef’s richness (DMg) index was found to be
4.514 in Jagadishpur and 3.842 in Baanganga river which implies that the Jagadishpur lake has
slightly greater Odonate diversity than Baanganga river. The Bray Curtis dissimilarity index
(BCij) was found to be 0.48 or 48% which implies that there is 48% of compositional difference
between two habitat types. This study was carried out in short duration of time and in only one
season, so, further studies are required to be undertaken for a longer period to understand the
community structure, behavior and impact of urbanization & habitat modification, seasonal
impact on Odonates diversity and distribution.

Keywords: Dragonflies, Damselflies, Assemblage, Stagnant, Flowing

IV
ACRONYMS:

Asl = Above sea level

DNPWC = Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
E = East
GPS = Global Positioning System
IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature
m = meter
MS = Microsoft
N = North
Sps. = Species

V
Table of Contents
DECLARATION ..................................................................................................................................... I
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE ................................................................................................................ II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................... III
ABSTRACT:.......................................................................................................................................... IV
ACRONYMS: ......................................................................................................................................... V
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background: ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Rationale of the study: ................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Research Objectives: .................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.1 General Objective: ............................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Specific Objectives: .............................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................... 4
2.1 Literature Review: ...................................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS .......................................................................... 6
3.1 Study Area: .................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Methodology: ............................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 Research Design: .................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.2 Data Collection: .................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.2.1 Primary Data Collection: ................................................................................................. 7
3.2.2.2 Secondary Data Collection: .............................................................................................. 8
3.2.3 Data Analysis:....................................................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ........................................................................... 10
4.1 Results ........................................................................................................................................ 10
4.1.1 Family and composition of Odonates species: ................................................................. 10
4.1.2 Dissimilarity and diversity indices: .................................................................................. 12
4.1.3 Species diversity, their abundance and Local status: ..................................................... 12
4.2 Discussion: ................................................................................................................................. 16
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION ......................................................... 17
5.1 Conclusion: ................................................................................................................................ 17
5.2 Recommendation: ..................................................................................................................... 17
REFRENCES: ....................................................................................................................................... 18
APPENDICES: ..................................................................................................................................... 24
ANEX-I: Materials Used: ............................................................................................................... 24
PHOTO PLATES: .......................................................................................................................... 25

VI
List of figures:

FIGURE 1 MAP SHOWING STUDY AREA WITH OBSERVATION SITES ............................................ 6

FIGURE 3 COMPOSITION OF ODONATES IN STUDY SITES ............................................................ 10
FIGURE 2 SHARED SPECIES AMONG TWO SITES .......................................................................... 10
FIGURE 4 ODONATA FAMILY COMPOSITION BETWEEN TWO STUDY SITES ................................. 11
FIGURE 5 COMPOSITION OF ODONATES IN BAANGANGA RIVER IN % ........................................ 11
FIGURE 6 COMPOSITION OF ODONATES IN JAGADISHPUR LAKE IN % ........................................ 11
FIGURE 7 LOCAL STATUS OF ODONATES IN STUDY SITES .......................................................... 12

List of Tables:

TABLE 1 DISSIMILARITY AND DIVERSITY INDICES ..................................................................... 12

TABLE 2: ODONATA SPECIES WITH THEIR COMMON NAME & LOCAL STATUS. ........................... 13

VII
 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background:
Odonata is an order of most primitive winged carnivore insects and divided into three suborders
Zygoptera (damselflies), Anisoptera (dragonflies), and Anisozygoptera (a combination of the
other two suborders, only represented by two existing species, one in Japan and one in the
Himalayas) (Tolfilski 2004). Paulson (2017) listed globally 27 families of zygoptera, 11
families of anisoptera and 1 family of anisozygoptera. About 6,000 species of Odonata and
subspecies belonging to 677 genera have been documented world-wide (Schorr & Paulson
2016). Among them Nepal harbors 209 species belonging to 116 genera under 16 families and
all are predatory forms (Thapa, 2015). Dragonflies are such insect present in the world, which
have not modified or evolved yet, with any gradual change in environment, they are still as
their ancestors were (Oliver and Beattie 1993). The Odonates are group of top invertebrate
predators, closely linked to specific freshwater habitat conditions and are widely used as
ecological indicators of habitat quality and the integrity of freshwater ecosystems makes them
important and widespread components of freshwater ecosystems (Simaika & Samways 2011,
Corbet 1962). The greatest numbers of species are found at places with varied microhabitats,
though dragonflies tend to be much more sensitive to pollution than damselflies (Ameilia et al
2006). Che Salmah et al. (2005) found that riverine ecosystem has the richest fauna of
Odonata, followed by rice field, stream, freshwater swamp and peat swamp. Structural
complexity of the forest and concomitant streams, rivers and other water sources provide more
diverse microhabitats for many different Odonates species (Vick, 2002).

The Vulnerable Relict Himalayan Dragonfly (Epiophlebia laidlawi) is the only globally
threatened wetland dependent species known to occur in Nepal (Thapa, 1997). (Richards and
Davies, 1977) noticed adult males generally hanging out near water to be seen by females,
which mostly stay away from water until they are ready to mate and lay eggs. Also, some
mature male shows territorial behavior by making territory along the stretches of water in
which mating, and oviposition takes place and other males are defended. (Marburg et al., 2006,
Carchini et al., 2003) noticed high abundance and diversity of adult Odonata in riparian areas
with tall wetland vegetation such as sedges and bulrushes, although the underlying reasons for
these patterns remain unclear. The pervasive role played by vegetation in the Odonates life
cycle makes it, a priori, likely that macrophytes are prominent among cues used for habitat
selection (Corbet, 1999) Nepal is rich in topographic contrast, floristic diversity and fresh water
resources. Due to great variety of climate, vegetation and water systems, it harbors great

1
diversity of Odonates within comparatively small area. Jagadishpur wetland area is home to
insects, aquatic fauna and flora. It also provides the shelter for conservation importance species
including endangered birds and plants. The vegetation composition and wetland habitat make
this area as a potential habitat for Odonates. Adjacent paddy fields and small ponds/lakes also
provide suitable habitat for Odonates. However, degradation of wetland, improper farming
practices remain as threats to Odonates diversity. Banganga River serves as a freshwater river
stream as suitable habitat for Odonates. Due to riverine vegetation in periphery of the river,
makes it highly potential habitat for diverse Odonate population.

1.2 Rationale of the study:

Habitat degradation is major threat and slight changes in the habitat quality can impact Odonate
diversity (Foote & Hornung, 2005). Degradation of both wetlands and adjacent upland habitats
makes Odonata threatened (Milam, 2001). A complete inventory of Odonate fauna with respect
to habitat types and environmental conditions is necessary to find their habitat preference and
assess the necessity of conservation measures focusing on Odonates (Kumar et al. 2018).
Despite of satisfactory study on flagship fauna including charismatic mammals and birds,
research on invertebrates like Odonates is scanty. The past studies on Odonates are more
focused on checklists of Odonates and their diversity, there is no such comparison study
regarding the response of Odonates to different habitat types, their assemblage and habitat
preference. Only few researches have been done and there is lack of regular studies in context
of Nepal. The proposed areas are suitable for such comparative study as these sites serve as
two distinct habitats. Thus, study will be conducted in Jagadishpur lake and Banganga River
of Kapilvastu district. Selected areas are virgin for Odonates research. This study will help to
fill research gap of Odonata diversity in two different habitats and provide the baseline
information on Odonates for further study as well it will help to plan the conservation measures
focused on Odonates. As well, Odonates information may aid in maintaining the healthy
wetland ecosystem using them as model organism.

2
1.3 Research Objectives:
1.3.1 General Objective:
➢ To explore the Odonates assemblage in Kapilvastu, Nepal.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives:
➢ To explore the Odonates assemblage in two different habitat types (Flowing water and
stagnant water habitat).
➢ To document the local status of Odonates.

3
 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Literature Review:
Odonates are gorgeous aquatic insects distributed throughout the world, which comprise
dragonflies and damselflies, being the top predators at larval and adult stages are highly specific
to their niche and depend heavily on water bodies for feeding and breeding and play a
significant role in freshwater ecosystems (Butler 2008, Silva et al 2010, Subramanian 2014).
Odonata larvae are not choosy hunters; they will eat any animal as large or smaller than
themselves, including tadpoles, fish, and even other Odonata larvae. The larvae move by a type
of jet propulsion in which they squirt water out to create a moving force. As they grow, larvae
undergo about ten to twenty molts. After the final molt, they emerge as an adult. Many
Odonates species respond more rapidly to altered vegetation structure than other animals do,
making them useful bioindicators of riparian habitat integrity (Samways & Taylor, 2004; Foote
& Hornung, 2005). Odonates incorporate rich phenotypic and ecological diversity in one
single insect order and therefore constitute excellent candidates for ecological and evolutionary
studies (Córdoba-Aguilar 2008).
In the global context, Odonates are one of the most studied insect group. Seth, et al., (2016)
conducted a research on Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) as a bridge between ecology
and evolutionary genomics and concluded Odonates as an exceptional group to bridge the gap
between evolutionary ecology and genomics due to their phylogenetic position, extensive
phenotypic and ecological diversity, complex life cycle, ease of study in the wild and
usefulness as bioindicators of pollution and climate change. Balzan (2012) conducted a
research on Associations of dragonflies (Odonata) to habitat variables within the Maltese
Islands. He finds out 9 species of Odonates in 4 different habitats. He indicates Water-bodies
characterized by brackish conditions has low adult Odonata diversity as well as structure and
appearance of plant communities, rather than individual plant species, are likely to serve as
cues for habitat recognition. Fulan et al. (2008) carried out research on Habitat characteristics
and dragonflies (Odonata) diversity and abundance in the Guadiana River, eastern of the
Alentejo, Portugal. They recorded 19 species of Odonates species and concluded that the
distribution of abundance of Zygoptera species was most affected by reeds. However,
Anisoptera species were most affected by shade.
The earliest records of dragonflies from Nepal were those of Selys (1854) in which Anotogaster
nepalensis and Onychogomphus cerastic were described whereas Anotogaster nepalensis is
still common species in hill streams of Nepalese mild land. Selys (1859) reported Caliphaea

4
confusa from Nepal and Neurothemis fulvia was first public record in 1879. Fraser (1933; 1934;
1936) published three volumes on Odonata named “Fauna of British India including Ceylon
and Burma” including 536 species and subspecies from M.P., Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal,
Pakistan Myanmar, Sri Lanka and regions of India. Smith (1978a; 1978b; 1984) recorded
several new species of Gomphidae from Nepal. Mahato (1984) worked on diversity of
dragonflies of Saptari district and reported the presence of 19 species of dragonflies. Mahato
(1985) reported 19 species of dragonflies on his study, Nepalka Gainekirako Yak Chhoto
Parichaya. Pokharel (2006) studied Species diversity and distribution pattern with conservation
threats of dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) in Godawari and in different habitats and
maximum species were recorded in stagnant water area. He also concluded rainfall, relative
humidity and low temperature shows negative effect to dragonflies. Brockhaus (2015) reported
332 species of Odonata from the Himalayas and its peripheral region including 140 species
from Nepal. Jackson (1955) recorded Pantala flavescens at 6300 m asl from Changu La,
Eastern Nepal which is highest altitudinal record of dragonfly in Nepal. Asahina (1963b)
described adult Epiophlebia laidlawi in eastern Nepal. Quentin (1970) also worked on odonates
of Nepal and recorded 77 species of odonates in which 24 species were new for Nepal from
Khumbu Himal. Then in 1982c, Asahina recorded Somatochlora nepalensis from Terhathum,
Sindhuli, Mugu, Jumla District as endemic species to Nepal as well as in 1982b, Asahina
recorded four species of Neallogaster and describe N. ornate from Nepal. Conniff (2016) listed
57 species of odonata from Godawari, nine species from Daman Sim Khola, 44 species from
west to Pokhara and Tansen, 40 species from terai to the south and 18 species from valley of
Rim in her odonata of Nepal blog website. Furthermore, Conniff and Limbu (2018) discovered
Microgonphus phewataali from Phewa Lake as endemic species to Nepal. Mahato (1985;
1986a; 1987a, 1987b, 1987c, 1987d; 1988a, 1988c) studied Nepalese odonates in eastern terai
and discovered 6 species new for Nepal. Recently, Sharma (2018) reported Brachydiplax
chalybea as first record from Morang district which is added to Nepalese checklist. Only few
researches have been conducted in western Nepal. Recently, Sharma et al. (2018) reported 61
odonate species belonging to 11 families from western Nepal.
In Nepal, no any study regarding the diversity of Odonates along different habitats have been
carried out. However, some studies have been carried out in India. Palita et. al. (2016) studied
on Odonates diversity along different habitats of Koraput district, Odisha, India and found
highest number of species assemblage in the hill streams among all habitats of the study area.

5
 CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Study Area:
The Jagadishpur Lake is a well-known recreational spot surrounded by cultivated land and a
few smaller lakes. The lake is situated in Jahadi, Kapilvastu District, Nepal. It is largest human
made lake which covers 225 ha located at latitude of 27°35'N to longitude of 083°05'E and at
altitude of 197m. The Jagdishpur Lake is listed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International
Importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention and is also important wetland site providing
the home for different endangered flora and fauna (Bhandari 2009). Being a freshwater lake
with surrounding of diverse vegetation makes it a potential habitat for Odonates.
Baanganga River extends from north Churiya hill to south Terai region and is one of the main
rivers of Kapilvastu district. There is forest in the west of river and farmlands and settlement
at the east of the river. It is a perennial river located at latitude of 27°37'41.6"N and longitude
of 83°04'54.9"E. This river serves as freshwater stream as a potential habitat for Odonates.
Both the study areas experience tropical monsoon climate of hot, rainy summer and cool, dry
winter (DNPWC & IUCN 2003).

Figure 1 Map Showing Study Area with Observation sites

6
3.2 Methodology:
3.2.1 Research Design:

Researcher
Secondary Data Collection

Literature Review

Primary Data Collection

Preliminary Survey
Line Transect Method
Capture and Release

Final Report Outcome Data Analysis

3.2.2 Data Collection:

3.2.2.1 Primary Data Collection:

3.2.2.1.1 Preliminary Survey:

Firstly, preliminary survey was carried out on Jagadishpur Lake and Baanganga River to
know the micro-habitat and possibility of Odonata occurrence in the study areas.

3.2.2.1.2 Line Transect Method:

The sampling of adult Odonates was done by direct counts method. The data collection was
carried out between 09:00 am and 01:00 pm when insects are most active (i.e., during low
wind, warm and sunny weather). Odonata were observed about 30 minutes in each site creating
100m line transect (Smallshire and Beynon, 2010). Line transect was created in 10 different
observation sites purposively across each habitat type viz. Jagadishpur Lake and Baanganga
river.

7
3.2.2.1.3 Capture and Release:
Odonata species were caught by using sweeping net (the net having telescopic stick of 1 meter
at the end of which is joined a metallic circle of a diameter of about 50 cm diameter and 80 cm
depth with an open-mesh net with little air resistance so that it can be swung rapidly in order
to catch the sample) and photographs was taken from different angles to provide a permanent
record of identification and occurrence.

3.2.2.1.4 Identification:
The observed and photographed Odonates were identified using identification keys (Nair 2011,
Subramanian 2009, Fraser 1933, 1934, 1936).

3.2.2.2 Secondary Data Collection:

Secondary data relevant to the study was collected from various published and unpublished
document sources.

3.2.3 Data Analysis:

(i) The Shannon-Weiner index (H’) (Shannon and Weaver, 1949) is used here to calculate
the diversity of species in different habitats. The Shannon-Weiner index (H') is given by the
formula as follows:

Where ‘s’ is the number of species, and ‘pi’ is the proportion of individuals of each species
belonging to the ‘i’th species of the total number of individuals. The negative of this sum is
taken as the index. The higher the index, the higher is the species diversity.

(ii) Margalef’s richness (DMg) index is used here to determine species richness. the indices
are calculated as follows:

Where ‘S’ is the number of species record If ‘S’ is the number of species recorded and ‘N’ is
the total number of individuals in the sample.

8
(iii) Bray-curtis Dissimilarity Index (BC) was used to determine the compositional
dissimilarity between two habitat sites.

Indices were computed using PAST 3.0 and Microsoft Excel.

(iv) Other descriptive analysis was done using MS Excel and expressed through charts and
tables.

9
 CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Results
4.1.1 Family and composition of Odonates species:
A total of 703 individuals (307 individuals at Baanganga river and 396 individuals at
Jagadishpur lake) of 38 species of Odonata belonging to 21 genera and 4 families were recorded
during study period. Among them, 18 species under 8 genera and 2 families were Zygopterans
(damselflies) and 20 species under 13 genera and 2 families were Anisopterans (dragonflies).
Libellulidae was the most abundant family with 19 species followed by Coenagrionidae (17),
Platycnemididae (1), Gomphidae (1). Among which, Jagadishpur lake harbored a total of 28
species belonging to 17 genera and 2 families consisting of 15 species of zygopterans and 13
species of anisopterans. Whereas, Baanganga river harbored a total of 23 species belonging to
15 genera and 4 families consisting of 9 species of zygopterans and 14 species of anisopterans.
Both the study sites shared a total of 13 species belonging to 9 genera and 2 families which
consists of 6 species of damselflies and 7 species of dragonflies (Figure 2 & 3).

Composition of Odonates in Study Sites Shared speies among two sites

16 15
14
14 7.2
13 7
7
12
6.8
10 9 6.6
No. of Species

8 6.4

6.2
6 6
6
4
5.8

2 5.6

5.4
0 Both Sites
Jagadishpur Lake Baanganga River

Anisoptera Zygoptera Anisoptera Zygoptera

Figure 3 Composition of Odonates in study sites Figure 2 Shared species among two sites

10
Jagdishpur lake (Stagnant water habitat) harbored only two Odonates families comprising of
one from Anisoptera and other from Zygoptera whereas, Baanganga river (Flowing water
habitat) harbored four Odonates families comprising two from Anisoptera and two from
Zygoptera (Figure 4).

Odonata Family composition between two study sites

16 15

14 13 13

12
No. of species

10
8
8

2 1 1

0
Jagadishpur Lake Baanganga River
Families
LIBELLULIDAE COENAGRIONIDAE PLATYCNEMIDIDAE GOMPHIDAE

Figure 4 Odonata Family composition between two study sites

Sub-order Anisoptera was dominant in Baanganga river (Flowing water habitat) consisting
61% of total Odonates species recorded followed by Zygoptera with 39% of total Odonates
species recorded whereas in Jagadishpur lake (Stagnant water habitat), Zygoptera was found
dominant with 54% of total Odonates species recorded followed by Anisoptera with 46% of
total Odonates species recorded (Figure 5 & 6).

Composition of Odonates in Composition of Odonates in Baanganga

Jagadisgpur lake in % river in %

46% 39%
54%
61%

Zygopterans Zygopterans
Anisopterans
Anisopterans

Figure 6 Composition of Odonates in Jagadishpur lake in % Figure 5 Composition of Odonates in Baanganga river
in %

11
4.1.2 Dissimilarity and diversity indices:
The Shannon-Weiner index (Jagadishpur Lake: H' = 3.099; Baanganga River: H' = 2.857) vary
slightly among two habitats implying Jagadishpur lake (Stagnant water habitat) has more
Odonate diversity than Baanganga river (Flowing water habitat). Margalef’s richness (DMg)
index was found to be 4.514 at the Jagadishpur Lake which is slightly greater than 3.842 at
Baanganga river. This implies that the species richness is slightly higher in Jagadishpur lake
(Stagnant water habitat) as compared to Baanganga river (Flowing water habitat). The Bray
Curtis dissimilarity index (BCij) was found to be 0.48 or 48% which implies that there is 48%
of compositional dissimilarity index between these two habitat sites (Table 1).

Table 1 Dissimilarity and diversity indices

Indices Jagadishpur Lake Baanganga River

Shannon-Weiner index (H') 3.099 2.857

Margalef’s richness (DMg) 4.514 3.842

The Bray Curtis dissimilarity 0.48 or 48%

index (BCij)

4.1.3 Species diversity, their abundance and Local status:

During the study period, 8 species were found to be common, 17 species were fairly common,
and 3 species were rare for Jagadishpur Lake whereas, 4 species were found to be common, 16
species were fairly common, and 3 species were rare for the Baanganga river (Table 2).

Local Status of Odonates in study sites

18 17
16
16
14
12
No. of Species

10
8
8
6
4
4 3 3
2
0
Jagadishpur Lake Baanganga River
Common Fairly Common Rare

Figure 7 Local status of Odonates in study sites

12
Table 2: Odonata species with their common name & local status.

Study Site 1: Jagadishpur Lake

S Scientific Name English Name Local Status
N
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: LIBELLULIDAE
1. Acisoma panorpoides Trumpet Tail FC
2. Brachydiplax sobrina Little Blue Marsh Hawk FC
3. Brachythemis contaminata Ditch Jewel C
4. Crocothemis servilia Rudy Marsh Skimmer C
5. Diplacodes nebulosa Black-tipped Ground Skimmer C
6. Neurothemis intermedia Paddyfield Parasol FC
7. Neurothemis tulia Pied Paddy skimmer R
8. Orthetrum taeniolatum Taeniolate Marsh Hawk FC
9. Orthetrum sabina sabina Green Marsh Hawk FC
10. Pantala flavescens Wandering Glider FC
11. Sympetrum sps. ---------------------- R
12. Trithemis aurora Crimson Marsh Glider C
13. Trithemis pallidinervis Long-legged Marsh Glider C
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: COENAGRIONIDAE
1. Ischnura aurora Golden Dartlet FC
2. Aciagrion approximans Indian violet dartlet FC
3. Aciagrion hisopa Violet-striped Slender Dartlet FC
4 Aciagrion occidentale Green-Striped Slender Dartlet R
5. Aciagrion pallidum Pale Slender Dartlet FC
6. Agriocnemis pygmaea Pigmy Dartlet FC
7. Ceriagrion coromandelianum Coromandel Marsh Dart C
8. Ceriagrion olivaceum Rusty Marsh Dart FC
9. Ceriagrion rubiae Orange Marsh Dart FC
10. Enallagma parvum Azure Dartlet C
11. Paracercion calamorum Dusky Lilysquatter FC

13
12. Pseudagrion decorum Three-Lined Dart FC
13. Pseudagrion rubriceps Saffron-Faced Blue Dart FC
14. Pseudagrion sp. ------------------------------- FC
15. Pseudagrion spencei ----------------------------- C
Study Site 2: Baanganga River
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: LIBELLULIDAE
1. Acisoma panorpoides Trumpet Tail FC
2. Brachythemis contaminata Ditch Jewel FC
3. Crocothemis servilia Rudy Marsh Skimmer C
4. Neurothemis fulvia Fulvous Forest Skimmer FC
5. Orthetrum glaucum Blue Marsh Hawk FC
6. Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk FC
7. Orthetrum sabina sabina Green Marsh Hawk FC
8. Orthetrum taeniolatum Taeniolate Marsh Hawk FC
9. Potamarcha congener Yellow-Tailed Ashy Skimmer R
10. Rhyothemis variegata Common Picture Wing FC
11. Trithemis aurora Crimson Marsh Glider C
12. Trithemis festiva Black Stream Glider C
13. Trithemis pallidinervis Long-Legged Marsh Glider FC
Family: Gomphidae
1. Paragomphus lineatus Common Hooktail R
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: COENAGRIONIDAE
1. Ischnura aurora Golden Dartlet FC
2. Aciagrion approximans Indian violet dartlet FC
3. Agriocnemis pygmaea Pigmy Dartlet FC
4. Paracercion malayanum Malay lillysquatter FC
5. Pseudagrion decorum Three-Lined Dart FC
6. Pseudagrion microcephalum Blue Grass Dart FC
7. Pseudagrion rubriceps Saffron-Faced Blue Dart C
8 Pseudagrion spencei --------------------------- FC

14
Family: PLATYCNEMIDIDAE
1. Copera marginipes Yellow Bush Dart R
Note: FC = Fairly Common C = Common R=
Rare
*Local status of Odonates species were categorized as common (n ≥ 20), fairly common (n ≥
5 to (n < 20) and rare (n < 5) based on abundance of species encountered from survey sites.
(n = number of individuals).

15
4.2 Discussion:
The findings revealed that the stagnant water habitat has higher Odonata diversity than the
flowing water habitat. Balzan (2012) has also recorded more species in lentic water followed
by lotic, agricultural reservoirs and brackish water. Libellulidae are widely spread in lentic
water bodies (Subramanian et al. 2008). The similar result was found during the study as 13
species from Libellulidae family were recorded in Jagadishpur lake. However, same number
of species from Libellulidae family were recorded from Baanganga river as well but with
comparatively fewer individuals. Neurothemis intermedia was recorded only in Jagadishpur
Lake which is a stagnant water habitat. Sharma (2019) has also reported similar result from his
study. Altogether 38 species of Odonates (18.18% of Nepal’s Total Odonates) were recorded.
Libellulidae (19) was most abundant family followed by Coenagrionidae (17),
Platycnemididae (1), and Gomphidae (1). During the study, the record of abundant
Libellulidae (Anisoptera) and Coenagrionidae (Zygoptera) in both the study areas might be due
to their shorter life cycle and widespread distribution and tolerant to wide range of habitats
(Norma-Rashid et. al 2001, Gentry et. al, Samways 1989). Presence or absence of certain
groups of species can be looked as a proxy for habitat variables or to assess quality of
freshwater habitats (Subramanian & Sivaramakrishnan 2005, Subramanian et. al 2008). Ditch
Jewel (Brachythemis contaminata) was frequently sighted in Jagadishpur lake, which is near
to human habitations; which is an indicator species of poor water quality (Nair 2011). Nair
(2011) reported Common Hooktail (Paragomphus lineatus) as an indicator species of good
water quality which was observed only along the Baanganga river which is located
comparatively farther to human habitations. Presence of Platycnemididae and Gomphidae
reflects the clean environment (Wahizatul-Afzan et al., 2006). These families were present
along Baanganga river only. Jagadishpur lake had more damselflies species than the
dragonflies. Damselflies tend to be tolerable to pollution than the dragonflies. (Ameilia et al
2006).

16
 CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion:
This study has served as the baseline information on Odonates diversity and distribution in the
two different water bodies of Kapilvastu district. The rich faunal and floral biodiversity of
Kapilvastu is under tremendous anthropogenic pressure, due to human disturbances and other
developmental projects in recent years. Documentation of the biodiversity of this
biogeographically important region in the Terai Region is an urgent need. Among recorded
species, genus Orthetrum (4), Pseudagrion (4), Aciagrion (4), Neurothemis (3) and Trithemis
(3) were most dominant whereas, genus Paragomphus (1) and Copera (1) were rare comprising
one species of each and having very few individuals. Overall, Jagadishpur Lake had greater
Odonate diversity whereas Baanganga river had more diverse family of Odonates.

5.2 Recommendation:
Odonates are excellent bioindicators and plays important role in trophic ecosystem. Some of
the recommendations are:

1. Since the study was conducted in Man-made lake so further study in natural lakes,
ponds and other rivers, land use should be done to know the Odonates diversity
influenced by vegetation, water flow and other environmental variables.

2. This study was carried out in short duration of time and in only one season, so, further
studies are required to be undertaken for a longer period to understand the community
structure, behavior and impact of urbanization & habitat modification, seasonal impact
on Odonate diversity and distribution.

3. During the study, habitat alterations and anthropogenic pressure on Odonates habitat
due to human disturbance (sand mining, uncontrolled grazing, poisoning river for
fishing etc.) was observed. So, adequate policies, laws and regulations should be
developed and implemented in order to conserve the Odonates diversity.

17
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APPENDICES:
ANEX-I: Materials Used:
1. GPS (Garmin extra 10)

1. Insect Net (Sweeping net)

2. Field Guide Book

3. Binoculars

4. Camera

5. Datasheets

6. Stationery

7. Measuring Tape

24
PHOTO PLATES:

Ceriagrion coromandelianum Neurothemis tulia

Ceriagrion coromandelianum Neurothemis tulia

Trithemis pallidinervis Acisoma panorpoides

Trithemis pallidinervis Acisoma panorpoides

Crocothemis servilia Diplacodes nebulosa (mating)

Crocothemis servilia Diplacodes nebulosa (mating)

25
 Brachythemis contaminata Paragomphus lineatus

Brachythemis contaminata

Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum Orthetrum sabina sabina

Pseudagrion spencei Agriocnemis pygmaea (Mating)

26
Enallagma parvum (mating) Pseudagrion rubriceps

Pseudagrion decorum Aciagrion pallidum

Copera marginipes Ischnura aurora

27
Sympetrum sps. During the field days

Sympetrum sps. Sympetrum sps.

Jagadishpur Lake & Baanganga River

28