Diversity of Dragonflies (Order: Odonata) in Mount Ciremai National Park, West Java

Abstract

Dragonflies (order Odonata) are known as bioindicators of aquatic health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. This study investigated Odonata diversity across various potential habitats within Mount Ciremai National Park (TNGC), a conservation area characterized by numerous water sources used for irrigation and tourism. The study was conducted from February - April 2024 at eleven points across TNGC, including six points in Kuningan and five points in Majalengka. The visual day flying method was used to collect data, resulting in 32 species with a total of 830 individuals observed. Five of these species are endemic to Java Island, i.e., Drepanosticta gazella, Drepanosticta sundana, Drepanosticta spatulifera, Heliogomphus drescheri and Heliocypha fenestrata. Ciayakan, a site in Kuningan, had the highest species richness (18 species, 215 individuals) and diversity index (H' = 2.27). Argiocnemis rubescens showed the highest relative abundance (36 individuals, 63.16%) in Argalingga, while Pantala flavescens was the most abundant species of all locations observed and the second highest relative abundance (123 individuals, 61.22%). Conservation efforts should therefore prioritize targeted management strategies to mitigate localized threats such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, pollution, and tourism development.