GUWAHATI: A rare dragonfly species has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after more than 100 years, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s biodiversity records.
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The species, Gynacantha khasiaca, commonly known as the long-tailed duskhawker, was recently spotted in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve by a team of citizen scientists during a biodiversity survey conducted in October 2024.
The dragonfly was last scientifically described in 1914 from the erstwhile Abor Hills region of Arunachal Pradesh. Its rediscovery at Deban, located inside Namdapha National Park, marks the first confirmed sighting of the species in the state in more than 100 years. The new location lies nearly 600 kilometres east of where the species was originally recorded.
The findings were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa by researchers Mahesh R. from Kerala, Rajesh Gopinath from Karnataka, Gaurav Joshi from Uttarakhand, and Roshan Upadhaya from Arunachal Pradesh. The team confirmed the identification through detailed photographic documentation carried out in the presence of forest department officials.
Researchers said the rediscovery underlines the ecological significance of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly its protected forest landscapes, and highlights the need for continued biodiversity monitoring in the region.
Dragonflies and damselflies, belonging to the order Odonata, are considered important indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems. They play a vital role in controlling insect populations while also serving as prey for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Globally, more than 6,400 Odonata species have been documented, with India accounting for over 500 species and 27 subspecies. Arunachal Pradesh alone is home to at least 110 known species.
The genus Gynacantha consists of large, crepuscular dragonflies that are typically active during dawn and dusk. These dragonflies are known for their pale green and brown coloration and elongated abdomen.
During the field survey, the team documented 17 species of dragonflies and damselflies in the area, including Trithemis aurora, Neurothemis fulvia, Orthetrum glaucum, Aristocypha spuria, and Neurobasis chinensis.
The most significant observation was made on October 16, 2024, when a single male Gynacantha khasiaca was seen patrolling and hovering along the Miao–Vijoynagar Road at an altitude of around 600 metres. Researchers noted that the dragonfly appeared to be defending its territory.
Apart from Arunachal Pradesh, the species has previously been seen in Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, as well as neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.