A two-year survey from 2021 to 2023 across five Indian states documented 143 dragonfly and damselfly species in the Western Ghats, with at least 40 species confirmed as endemic to the region.

Researchers highlight the need for systematic, long‑term monitoring to accurately track populations, as earlier documentation was limited.

Despite declines, the study identified seven new species, including protosticta armageddonia, underscoring ongoing undiscovered diversity in the Western Ghats.

Fieldwork pushed into remote, challenging habitats such as mossy riverbanks and mangrove swamps, with substantial time devoted to observing and collecting specimens.

The Western Ghats face threats from urbanization, agricultural expansion, grazing, infrastructure development, invasive species, and mining, all contributing to biodiversity loss.

Researchers are building a genetic library of documented species to illuminate evolutionary origins and biogeography in the context of the Gondwanan roots of the Western Ghats.

Dragonflies and damselflies are strong indicators of ecosystem health, so their declines point to broader environmental stress in the Western Ghats.

The study notes a 35% decline, with 79 previously reported species not found, raising questions about rarity, seasonality, or possible extinction.

The report frames the Western Ghats as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, reinforcing the significance of ongoing research.