NT NETWORK
May 22 is observed as International Biodiversity Day, a day to focus on issues related to our biodiversity. To commemorate the same, the Earthworm eco-store at Porvorim last weekend hosted a talk on damselflies and dragonflies by the state coordinator of the Goa Bird Conservation Network, Mr Parag Rangnekar.

Mr Rangnekar in his presentation informed that about 7000 species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) are known all over the world. In India around 500 species are recognised. Lieutenant Colonel Dr F C Fraser (1880-1963) known to be the father of Indian odonatology, had discovered 490 species of odonates.
Mr Rangnekar stated that there were no studies made on odonates during the pre-liberation period in Goa. Then in 2008 the Zoological Survey of India published ‘Fauna of Goa’ enumerating 39 species under its representation. The Goa Bird Conservation Network this year reported 34 new species making the count to 76.
Mr Rangnekar then elaborated about the different species of odonates by way of stills. He explained that Kerala Dartlet, a species found in Kerala has left the German scientists uncertain about its description. A male species of Green Marsh Hawk is very aggressive towards its prey and is found feeding on moths. Another species, ‘Ditch Jewel’ got its name from the fact that it is mostly found in stagnant water bodies.
Mr Rangnekar who is actively involved in research of odonates mentioned that a ‘Wandering Glider’, a migrant species that makes his visit to Goa only after monsoons, is the subject of his curiosity. Such species are very difficult to track as they follow no definite path, he confirmed.
He informed that some species like ‘Black Marsh Trotter’ can be spotted by using binoculars. The only identification to this species is the black mark found on their wings.
He lamented that the Goa Bird Conservation Network has still not documented and has to do lot of study on the ‘Torrent Hawk’ species, as it is found in a habitat that is totally undisturbed. 
Enlightening the enthusiasts at the talk, Mr Rangnekar said many species yet do not have common names. This is because of the fact that both India and Sri Lanka bear common species and it is important to represent these species with a common term in these two countries. But now the Zoological Survey of India is working on the project.
These species that mostly dwell on water face threats when their water bodies get contaminated. This takes a toll on their survival. Climate change is another threat they face.
Mr Rangnekar informed that so far the life history of only 15 species is known, something that is a matter of concern. This is all due to lack of awareness.
Looking forward to save the odonates, Mr Rangnekar mentioned that a more detailed study should be made on these species with regards to flight periods, diversity and ecology. Awareness is the key to understand their value as bio-monitoring tools.
Ending his note, Mr Rangnekar informed that enthusiasts can join in the dragonfly network on www.dragonflyindia.com on a mission to save these species.
More about Odonates: April to May is the best season to observe odonates, a sub-group of insects in which both dragonflies and damselflies fall. The word ‘odonate’ is derived from the Greek word which means strong teeth. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies and only adult of the species can be differentiated by the fact that most dragonflies keep their wings open while at rest while damselflies hold their wings parallel to the body. In case of damselflies and dragonflies, the adult male can be distinguished from that of a female to the information that an opening is found on the second abdomen.