Habitat correlates of Odonata species diversity in the northern Western Ghats, India

摘要

Sixty-two localities from Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra State, India, were surveyed for habitat correlates of Odonata diversity Proximate habitat variables (canopy cover, area of water spread on transect, and altitude) and broad scale environmental variables derived from climate database were used. Seventy species were recorded during the survey. Vestalis apicalis was found to be the most abundant species. Multiple regression analysis failed to resolve relationship among variables. Proximate habitat variables, except altitude, showed slightly higher contribution in shaping species richness and diversity than broadscale habitat variables. Canonical correspondence analysis based on species abundance data and multiple variables suggested that canopy cover and area of water on the transect are driving species assemblages. Almost all of the Western Ghats endemics recorded during the survey were found to be associated with high canopy forests and streams, suggesting the critical habitat requirement of these species. The study provides baseline and local habitat association data on Odonata, which can be used as evidence in the conservation of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve corridor which is under threat of forest felling.