Abstract
The conversion of agricultural lands and meadows into resorts, residential buildings, and villas is increasing around Alibag, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai. We report 26 odonate species from agricultural and semi-urban areas near Alibag. The study area included a residential area in Poynad, the Amba tributary at Pandavadevi, Poynad Lake, and agricultural areas in Navenagar and Shrigaon. Data were collected from May 2023 to April 2024 using the belt transect method. The Shannon–Wiener Index (H’), Menhinick’s Index (DMn), and Pielou’s Evenness (J) were highest at the Amba tributary (H’ = 2.32, DMn = 0.73, J = 0.88) and lowest at Poynad Lake (H’ = 0.97, DMn = 0.41, J = 0.47). Presence–absence matrix analysis provided insights into spatial distribution, species richness, and range size. Significant temporal variation (p < 0.05) was observed in species richness (F(11,48) = 6.38, p < 0.05) and abundance (F(11,48) = 7.83, p < 0.05). Anthropogenic activities at the sites that impact odonate populations are discussed.
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