Palakkad: Silent Valley National Park, one of Kerala’s most pristine ecosystems, has added six new species of dragonflies and damselflies (odonates) to its biodiversity records. The discovery was made during a three-day odonate survey jointly conducted by the park authorities and the Society for Odonate Studies (SOS) from October 10 to 12, 2025.

This was the fourth such survey held in the park, aimed at documenting and monitoring its rich odonate diversity. The latest study recorded 83 species across various habitats, including six species newly recorded in the park. With these additions, the total number of odonate species documented in Silent Valley has risen from 103 to 109.

The newly recorded species are:

• Long-legged Clubtail (Merogomphus longistigma)
• Fraser’s Torrent Hawk (Macromia irata)
• Dark Daggerhead (Macromidia donaldi)
• Blue-necked Reedtail (Protosticta mortoni)
• Wayanad Torrent Dart (Euphaea wayanadensis)
• Black and Yellow Bambootail (Elattoneura tetrica)

According to the survey team, these additions not only expand the park’s odonate checklist but also highlight the presence of diverse microhabitats capable of supporting a wide range of species. This underlines the park’s exceptional biodiversity value and ecological stability.

Notably, three species of the genus Euphaea—E dispar, E fraseri, and E. wayanadensis—were recorded. These species are considered key indicators of freshwater quality, each representing specific altitudinal and microhabitat ranges. Their presence, researchers say, confirms the excellent ecological integrity of Silent Valley’s freshwater streams.

Species belonging to the genus Protosticta (P mortoni, P gravelyi) and the Saffron Reedtail (Indosticta deccanensis) further emphasise Silent Valley’s role as a refuge for endemic species of the Western Ghats that depend on highly localised habitats. Other notable finds included the Pale-spotted Bambootail (Caconeura gomphoides), which is confined to high elevations, and rare endemics such as the Ruby-tailed Hawklet (Epithemis mariae), Myristica Bambootail (Phylloneura westermanni), and Malabar Bambootail (Melanoneura bilineata).

Odonates are widely recognised as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, especially in freshwater habitats. Monitoring their population trends provides crucial insights into habitat quality and ecological balance. The transect surveys conducted during this study yielded encouraging results, reaffirming the park’s stable ecosystem and thriving biodiversity. The data collected will be analysed in comparison with previous surveys to assess long-term ecological trends.

The survey was carried out across 12 campsites, representing different altitudes and habitat types. A total of 37 volunteers and forest staff participated in the exercise.

The inaugural session, held at the Silent Valley National Park headquarters, was inaugurated by Shri Arulselvan K., IFS, Deputy Director (Core) and Wildlife Warden. Shri Vishnu V S, Assistant Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley Range, delivered the welcome address, while Shri N. Ganesan, Assistant Wildlife Warden, Bhavani Range, presided over the function. Dr Sujith V Gopalan briefed participants on the survey methodology, and Sri Renjith Jacob Mathews proposed the vote of thanks.

The survey was led by experts Dr Sujith V. Gopalan, Dr Vivek Chandran, Mr Muhamed Sherif, Mr Renjith Jacob Mathews, and Mr Reji Chandran, and coordinated by Shri Vishnu VS and Shri N Ganesan.

The findings reaffirm Silent Valley National Park’s standing as one of the most significant odonate habitats in the Western Ghats, highlighting its crucial role in preserving South India’s freshwater biodiversity.