Diversity assessment and expansion of odonata in narmada basin of Jabalpur region (M.P)

An opportunistic survey of Odonata diversity and distribution was done in along with river Narmada region of district Jabalpur to give updated list of species within the study. Odonata play crucial role in ecosystem functioning and can be used as biological indicators as well as potential bio-control agent of environmental quality whereas biodiversity protection and conservation is a national and international agenda and responsible for sustainable development of a region or a country. A total of 38 species are recorded belonging to two sub-orders Zygoptera with 16 species and Anisoptera with 22 species. In order Odonata, Libellulidae with 17 species is the most dominating families among dragonflies and Coenagrionoidae with 13 species among damselflies while others have fewer representatives. Bargi dam shows the highest Regional diversity of Odonata in Jabalpur. The present study encourages the conservation of a wide range of dragonfly species in this area.