Odonata of Fraser's Hill, montane ecozones with conservation implications
2010
Norma-Rashid Y.
In this study, the fauna, habitat preference and ecological features of the dragonflies occurring in the montane forests of Fraser's Hill were investigated with vernacular names also mentioned. To date, twenty-six species from eight family groups have been documented from current and previous works. The available habitats in the ecozone are listed together with the distinctive associated species. Species diversity in higher latitudes is known to be not as diverse but what has been highlighted in the paper is the degree of endemism reaching 23%. Evident from the findings are existence of taxonomically isolated species such as Devadatta argyoides (Selys, 1859), Onychothemis coccinea (Lieftinck, 1953) and Onychothemis testacea (Laidlaw, 1902). The Action Plan proposed by Moore (1997), regarded these dragonflies as priority species from the Oriental region apt for further study and conservation action. Implications for potentially endangered, threatened or vulnerable species status within the study area are also evaluated. The paper concluded that among other suggestions there should be an initiative to create odonate refuges as these creatures resembled natural flagships for raising public awareness of the importance of conserving forests, aquatic habitats and biodiversity.
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