Western Ghats: A Vital Ecosystem in Peril

Dragonflies in distress – The Western Ghats, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, has long been a focal point for ecological research in India. Stretching over 1,600 kilometers along the western coast, this mountain range is not just a geographical feature but a critical hub for biodiversity. It shelters more than 30% of the country’s plant and animal species, including 325 globally threatened ones. Among these, a significant number are endemic—species that thrive only in this region and nowhere else on Earth. Yet, recent findings from a groundbreaking study reveal an unsettling trend that raises alarms about the future of this ecological jewel.

Scientists Uncover Both Loss and Discovery

Conducted over two years (2021–2023) across five Indian states, the research, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, has led to surprising revelations. While identifying 143 species of dragonflies and damselflies, the team noted that at least 79 species previously documented in the region were no longer present. This represents a nearly 35% decline in the population of these insects, a stark indicator of ecological stress. Pankaj Koparde, the lead researcher, emphasizes that this drop could signal a deeper crisis. “Dragonflies and damselflies are like ecological barometers—they reflect the health of their environment. When their numbers fall, it often means the ecosystem is under pressure,” he explains.

The study also brought unexpected success. In addition to tracking existing species, Koparde and his team discovered seven new ones, including a strikingly named protosticta armageddonia. The name, a reference to the concept of “ecological armageddon,” highlights the global concern over insect population declines. This discovery underscores the Western Ghats’ role as a reservoir of unique evolutionary lineages, many of which remain undocumented. However, the absence of 79 species suggests that the region’s biodiversity is not as stable as it appears.

Threats to the Region’s Biodiversity

The Western Ghats faces a multitude of challenges. Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure projects—such as wind farms and dams—are altering habitats at an alarming rate. Invasive species and mining activities further compound the pressure on native flora and fauna. The IUCN’s 2025 report classified the region as “significant concern,” noting that these factors threaten its delicate balance. For instance, a 2025 study found that rare galaxy frogs had vanished from certain areas after photographers damaged their forest floor habitats. Similarly, 2024 research highlighted how farming practices jeopardized frog populations, while a 2023 bird survey reported a 75% decline in 12 endemic species.

Koparde’s team is not the first to document such declines. The region’s vulnerability has been evident in multiple studies, each revealing a different aspect of its fragility. Yet, the dragonfly and damselfly research adds a new layer to the narrative. While some missing species may be rare or active during specific seasons, others could have disappeared entirely. This uncertainty underscores the need for continuous monitoring. “If we don’t track these populations, we risk losing species before we even realize they’re gone,” Koparde warns.

Evolutionary Insights from the Study

The study’s significance extends beyond immediate conservation concerns. Koparde points out that the Western Ghats’ unique geological history has shaped its biodiversity in profound ways. Formed during the Jurassic Period when the supercontinent Gondwana began to break apart, the region’s mountain range emerged from fractures along India’s western edge as it separated from Africa. This ancient process created a distinct ecological niche, allowing species to evolve independently. As a result, the area is home to some of the world’s most fascinating evolutionary stories.

“The Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas—over 150 million years,” Koparde notes. “This age-old landscape has given rise to species with deep evolutionary roots, many of which trace back to the Gondwana era.” The study’s findings suggest that these ancient species are now at risk. The decline in dragonfly and damselfly populations could mean that their evolutionary history is being disrupted, potentially eroding the region’s ecological uniqueness. Koparde stresses that understanding these patterns is essential for protecting the Western Ghats’ biodiversity.

One of the study’s key contributions is the creation of a genetic library for the documented species. This resource will not only help identify the origins of these insects but also provide insights into their adaptive strategies. By analyzing DNA samples, researchers can trace migration patterns and evolutionary pathways, offering a more comprehensive view of the region’s ecological dynamics. Koparde hopes this library will become a foundation for future conservation efforts, enabling scientists to prioritize species most at risk.

Call for Enhanced Conservation Efforts

The results of the study serve as a wake-up call. While the Western Ghats is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, the loss of dragonfly and damselfly species highlights a growing crisis. These insects, often overlooked, play critical roles in their ecosystems. For example, they contribute to climate regulation through their interactions with water bodies and aid in biodiversity maintenance by pollinating plants. Their absence could have cascading effects on the region’s ecological health.

Koparde emphasizes that the lack of comprehensive data on dragonfly populations has made it difficult to assess the true scale of the threat. “Until now, we hadn’t systematically documented these species in the Western Ghats,” he says. “This gap in knowledge has left us unprepared to respond to their decline.” The study’s methodology, which involved treacherous terrain like mossy riverbanks and mangrove swamps, reflects the dedication required to uncover the region’s secrets. Researchers often began their expeditions before dawn, spending hours in the field to spot and record specimens. This meticulous process yielded not only data but also new species, showcasing the area’s hidden potential.

As the Western Ghats continues to face pressures from human activity, Koparde’s work highlights the importance of preserving its natural heritage. The region’s survival depends on a delicate interplay of factors, from climate patterns to soil composition. By safeguarding the insects that inhabit it, conservationists can protect the intricate web of life that defines this area. The study’s findings are a reminder that even the most biodiverse ecosystems are not immune to change. With the right measures, however, there is still hope to mitigate the damage and ensure the Western Ghats remains a thriving haven for life.

“Dragonflies and damselflies are good indicators of the health of a region. Consequently, when their numbers drop, it could signal the potential degradation of an ecosystem.”

The urgency of this mission is clear. As Koparde and his team finalize their genetic library, they are already planning follow-up studies to monitor the region’s biodiversity more closely. Their work is part of a broader effort to protect the Western Ghats, a place where ancient landscapes and modern threats collide. The next steps will involve collaboration with local communities, policymakers, and conservation groups to implement strategies that address the root causes of the decline.

For now, the findings stand as a testament to both the resilience and the vulnerability of this ecological hotspot. While the discovery of new species offers a glimmer of optimism, the loss of others serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. The Western Ghats, with its 150-million-year-old history, may soon become a symbol of the broader struggle to preserve biodiversity in an era of rapid environmental change.

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