Rediscovery of Crocothemis erythraea in Southern Western Ghats

Why in the News?

1. The elusive dragonfly species Crocothemis erythraea has been confirmed in the high-altitude regions of the southern Western Ghats after years of misidentification.
2. This discovery was published in the International Journal of Odonatology and is significant for understanding biodiversity and faunal distribution in India.

Key Highlights

1. Species Background
   1. The genus Crocothemis in India has two known species:
      1. C. servilia – common across lowland regions.
      2. C. erythraea – known from high-elevation habitats in Europe, Asia, and the Himalayas.
   2. Previously, C. erythraea was not recorded in southern India.
2. Previous Misidentification
   1. In 2018, during an annual faunal survey in Munnar high ranges, photographs suggested the presence of C. erythraea.
   2. These records were initially cited in 2021 monographs but later removed due to skepticism from researchers.
3. Research Process
   1. Multiple field expeditions were conducted between 2019 and 2023 in high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats.
   2. Careful analysis confirmed the species’ presence in the southern Western Ghats.
4. Evolutionary Perspective
   1. Scientists suggest that C. erythraea colonised southern India during the Pleistocene Ice Age when cooler climates allowed temperate fauna to migrate southward.
   2. This makes it a relict species surviving from past climatic conditions.
5. Scientific Significance
   1. This confirmation adds to the biodiversity records of the Western Ghats.
   2. The study helps in understanding species dispersal and adaptation patterns in response to historical climate change.

Implications

1. Biodiversity Conservation
   1. Confirms the presence of a rare high-altitude species, enriching biodiversity records.
   2. Reinforces the Western Ghats’ status as a global biodiversity hotspot.
2. Taxonomic Accuracy
   1. Correct identification prevents misleading ecological data.
   2. Supports improved taxonomy and future checklists of Odonata fauna.
3. Climate Change Insights
   1. Offers evidence on how species distribution shifts during climatic fluctuations like the Pleistocene Ice Age.
   2. Helps predict future range changes due to global warming.
4. Research Opportunities
   1. Opens scope for further ecological and genetic studies on dragonfly species in India.
   2. Can guide comparative studies between Himalayan and Western Ghats populations.
5. Conservation Policies
   1. Emphasizes the need for targeted surveys in high-altitude ecosystems.
   2. Could influence habitat protection strategies for vulnerable species.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The rediscovery of Crocothemis erythraea in the southern Western Ghats is a landmark finding for biodiversity science in India. It highlights the importance of continuous research, accurate taxonomy, and climate-linked species distribution studies. Protecting such species and their habitats is essential to preserve the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats, one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world.