Description of Phylloneura rupestris sp. n. (Odonata, Platycnemididae) from the Western Ghats, India, with notes on its reproductive behaviour

Abstract

In the past 50 years, odonatology has advanced on a global scale in phylogenetics, diversity, organismal and population ecology, and conservation biology. This study explored if such knowledge gains are perceived to have occurred in India, as they did worldwide, and identified knowledge gaps and challenges that might be hindering progress in Indian odonatology. Responses to an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with researchers in the country indicated that the majority of Odonata research had occurred regionally in the Western Ghats and in the areas of taxonomy and species distribution. Knowledge gaps included Odonata research in northeast India, known for its rich biodiversity, and conservation studies to ensure evidence-based ecosystem management. Respondents also identified a lack of studies on Odonata larvae despite this being the longest stage in the taxa’s life cycle. Key challenges faced by Indian odonatologists were reported to be lack of funding and laboratory and field resources and poor access to research papers published in journals. Social media platforms could aid in addressing some knowledge gaps and challenges to researchers through engaging citizen scientists and facilitating skill-building and knowledge-sharing among odonatology researchers in the country.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, citizen science, India, knowledge gains, knowledge gaps, research challenges

Issue section: Original Article