Dragonflies and damselflies in Delhi face risks mainly due to the loss and degradation of their wetland habitats.

• These insects depend on freshwater ecosystems such as seasonal and perennial water bodies in locations like Kamla Nehru Ridge and Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
• While surveys in Delhi's biodiversity parks show fluctuating species diversity with some declines, overall population counts have increased recently, aided by favorable conditions from extended monsoon seasons.
• However, the destruction and alteration of wetland environments remain a significant threat, putting some species at risk of extinction.

Current Surveys and Population Trends in Delhi

• Recent three-day surveys at seven biodiversity parks in Delhi by scientists and students revealed a significant increase in the total number of dragonflies and damselflies but a marginal decrease in species diversity in certain parks.
• For example, the Kamla Nehru Ridge recorded over 3,000 dragonflies this year. These parks have been restored ecologically with efforts to revive wetlands, providing critical microhabitats like shallow pools and marshy edges essential for sustaining odonates.
• The survey helps gauge the ecological health of these habitats and the insects' population dynamics, which are important for natural pest control and ecosystem balance.

Extinction Risk Factors

• Globally and in Delhi, many dragonfly and damselfly species are at risk of extinction, primarily due to wetland destruction driven by urbanization, land degradation, and unsustainable agricultural expansion.
• Wetlands—their breeding grounds—are disappearing faster than forests, impacting their survival.
• Climate change and altered hydrological patterns also contribute by affecting these insects' habitats.

According to IUCN assessments, approximately 16% of dragonfly species worldwide face extinction threats from these environmental pressures. In Delhi, conservation events and ecological restoration efforts aim to build awareness and support the survival of these species.

Ecological Importance

• Dragonflies and damselflies serve as bio-indicators of water quality and wetland health due to their sensitivity to pollution and habitat changes.
• They play a vital role in controlling mosquito populations and agricultural pests, which is crucial for public health especially with rising dengue cases in Delhi.
• Their presence indicates ecosystem resilience and is a key factor in maintaining environmental sustainability in urban settings.

In summary, while Delhi's dragonflies and damselflies currently show some encouraging population trends due to habitat restoration and favorable monsoon impacts, they remain vulnerable to extinction risks mainly from habitat loss and degradation, requiring sustained conservation efforts to protect these vital insects and their ecosystems.

Threats to Delhi's odonate populations

The primary threats to dragonflies and damselflies in the region include:

• Loss of freshwater habitats: The destruction of wetlands, marshes, and swamps due to urbanization is the most significant risk factor.
• Pollution: The contamination of water bodies where these insects breed, along with the excavation of riverbeds, further degrades their habitat.
• Climate change: Increased droughts and extreme weather events lead to a scarcity of clean water, which is critical for their life cycle.
• Urbanization and land degradation: Human encroachment and habitat alterations driven by city expansion disrupt ecosystems, putting species at risk of local extinction. 

Conservation efforts and future outlook

Despite these risks, there are active conservation efforts in Delhi, with some encouraging signs:

• Biodiversity parks: Restoration efforts in Delhi's biodiversity parks, such as the Yamuna and Tughlaqabad parks, have created favorable microhabitats for odonates. The cleaning of sewage at Tughlaqabad, for example, led to a notable increase in dragonflies.
• Citizen science and festivals: Events like the National Dragonfly Festival, organized by WWF-India and the DDA, aim to build public support for odonate conservation. These festivals and surveys engage the public in citizen science, helping to collect data on population trends.
• Data collection: Ongoing surveys in the biodiversity parks provide crucial data on odonate populations. Recent reports have shown a significant increase in the total number of individuals in some parks, potentially due to favorable monsoon conditions, even as species diversity has declined in others. 

The situation remains complex, with ongoing conservation work necessary to mitigate the risks posed by rapid urban expansion and climate change.

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