Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Lokutu

Abstract

Odonata were surveyed during a Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) survey of the Lokutu area in central Democratic Republic of Congo. Eighty-six mostly Guineo-Congolian running-water species were found, with remarkable range extensions, as well as new species of Platycypha, Elattoneura and Mesocnemis. The results indicate a healthy watershed in the Lokutu surroundings, with limited degrees of pollution and streambed erosion. If forest cover and natural stream morphology are retained, the rich dragonfly fauna will be as well. The obtained species list is especially long considering the paucity of stagnant water species and the absence of certain Congolian endemics. This is explained by the absence of their habitat and possibly by the barrier that the extensive forest surrounding Lokutu (still) poses to the dispersal of open land species. The observed richness is probably typical of the Congo Basin as a whole and other areas are expected to be even richer. Therefore the Lokutu area does not require specific conservation action. Unlike other groups traditionally surveyed in RAPs, Odonata are invertebrates, strongly tied to freshwater, that are not actively exploited by humans. This RAP proved that it is possible to rapidly obtain a clear picture of Odonate diversity, even allowing a partial description of their ecology. The rich and apparently largely natural Odonate fauna found contrasts with the impoverished and imperiled status of the other groups studied. Therefore it is recommended to use Odonata more frequently to supplement biodiversity assessments of traditional groups, especially in the Congo Basin, where sampling Odonata may show whether existing conservation priorities also protect watersheds and freshwater biodiversity.