Panaji: Researchers have discovered a new species of dragonfly from a wildlife sanctuary in Goa.
The species (Idionyx Gomantakensis), restricted to evergreen forest, was spotted at Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife sanctuary at Collem in south Goa by researchers Parag Rangnekar and Rohan Naik in collaboration with Dr K A Subramanian, the scientist with Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
"Most of the species of this genus are known from South India, while Goa has two", Rangnekar said.
He said the project for survey of dragonflies was conducted by the authors under the banner of Mineral Foundation of Goa and supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Goa.
Rangnekar said that focused surveys could result in discovery of more species from the state.
"Dragonflies and Damselflies belong to the Order Odonata. This group of insects is dependent on water for completion of their life-cycle and hence the quality of water defines the species composition", he added.
Rangnekar said that the group was an excellent indicator of the health of a water body and can be effectively used in bio-monitoring.
PTI
