Conservation status, threats and diversity of Odonates in Kuvempu University Campus, Mid-Western Ghats, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, India

A study on diversity of odonates was conducted at Kuvempu University Campus located in Bhadravti Taluk, Shivamogga District of Karnataka. The study was conducted to explore status, diversity and threats of Odonates during February 2012 to January 2014. During the study period, a total of 43 species of Odonates in 31 genera belonging to 7 families have been reported. Among them the order-Anisoptera (Dragonflies) dominated with 30 species, followed by the order-Zygoptera (damselflies) with 13 species. The family Libellulidae dominated with 24 species among the Anisoptera. Among the Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae was found to be the dominant family with 8 species. The occurrence of IUCN categorized two Near Threatened species like Vestalis gracilis and Indothemis carnatica, one Data Deficient species like Orthetrum pruinosum and one Endemic species like Anaciaeschna jaspidea were remarkable this indicates that, the area was found to be rich in odonate diversity.