Dragonfly Assemblages in Arid Tropical Environments: A Case Study from Western Namibia |
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Authors: | Frank Suhling Göran Sahlén Andreas Martens Eugene Marais Carsten Schütte |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institut für Geo?kologie, Technische Universit?t Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106, Braunschweig, Germany 2. Ecology and Environmental Science, Halmstad University, P.O. Box 823, SE-30118, Halmstad, Sweden 3. Systematic Zoology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyv?gen 18D, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden 4. Biology, Karlsruhe University of Education, Bismarckstrasse 10, D-76133, Karlsruhe, Germany 5. National Museum of Namibia, Windhoek, P.O. Box 1203, Windhoek, Namibia
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Abstract: | Dragonflies have been proposed as indicators for the ecosystem health of freshwater wetlands. For their useful functioning as indicators it is, however, necessary to identify species compositions in specific habitats and species-habitat associations, particularly in the tropics, where such knowledge is still weak. We examined the dragonfly species composition of 133 localities in the arid environment of western Namibia. An analysis of nestedness indicated that distinct, and predictable patterns of species associations can be expected. Discriminant analyses revealed that most of the nine habitat types separated by structural and hydrological parameters are well discriminated by their dragonfly assemblages. Spring brooks in particular host a specific assemblage, which is threatened due to the habitat restriction of several species, as well as by recent habitat loss and degradation. Using a hierarchical method of several criteria we demonstrated the selection of a set of potential indicator species from the species set, most of these being useful indicators for spring brook assemblages. The conservation status of certain habitats and species is discussed. We propose that dragonflies will have a high indicator potential for threatened freshwater wetlands in such areas and may also serve as an indication of the sustainable use of water resources including evaluating measures to rehabilitate environments. |
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Keywords: | Freshwater wetland conservation Indicators Odonata Species composition |
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