Dragonflies (Odonata) in Subtropical Atlantic Forest fragments in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: seasonal diversity and composition

Abstract

One of the most endangered ecosystems in America is the Atlantic Forest, which demands emergency actions to protect its remnants as well its biodiversity. In this situation the species inventory can develop a management role for the future, determining specific areas that should be preserved as well the species composition and richness can be used as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. The use of dragonfly species composition has proven its potential indication of quality habitats. The Odonata species actually still poorly known in the Neotropical region and has never been used as a tool to analyze the actual conditions of aquatic environments particularly in the Subtropical Atlantic Forest, which occurs in south of Brazil. A systematic survey was carried out in aquatic systems located at remnants of forest from March 2011 to February 2012. A total of 565 specimens belonging to 34 species, distributed in 5 families were sampled. Libellulidae was dominant, with 14 species, followed by Coenagrionidae, Gomphidae, Lestidae and Aeshnidae. Through inventory survey we deepen the Odonata composition knowledge andperformed a statistic analysis