Species Composition, Distribution and Habitat Types of Odonata in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the Associated Conservation Implications

A comprehensive survey of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, identifies 86 species, including 13 newly recorded for the area. The study highlights the park's significance as a biodiversity hotspot, with eight red-listed species and 12 restricted to northern KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal plains. Using the Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI), researchers found that water bodies with similar habitats harbored comparable Odonata assemblages, underscoring their role as indicators of ecosystem health. This baseline data is critical for monitoring environmental changes and guiding conservation efforts, particularly in protecting diverse habitat types to maintain species richness.

Hart, L. A., Bowker, M. B., Tarboton, W., & Downs, C. T. (2014). Species Composition, Distribution and Habitat Types of Odonata in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the Associated Conservation Implications. PLoS ONE, 9(3), e92588. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092588