ZOOS' PRI NT J OURNAL Volume XV Number 8 August 2000 (RNI 1:11)

NOTE ZOOS' PRINT JOURNAL 15(8): 317-320

ODONATA OF KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK,
BHARATHPUR, RAJASTHAN, INDIA
Muhamed Jafer Palot and V.P. Soniya
Zoological Survey of India, Freshwater Biological Station, 1-1-300/B
Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500020, India.
Received on 28 February 2000 Accepted on 28 June 2000
317
Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) are perhaps the
most fascinating insects of freshwater habitats. Fraser (1933-
36) dealt in detail with the Odonate fauna of India, including
some species from Rajasthan. Agrawal (1957) recorded 15 species
from Pilani, northern Rajasthan. While, Bose and Mitra (1975)
reported 13 species from the state, Prasad and Thakur (1981)
listed 16 species from Rajasthan. Thakur (1985) reported 18
species of Odonates from the lake Kailana, Jodhpur. However,
there appears to be no study on Odonata fauna of the Keoladeo
National Park, Bharathpur. Hence an attempt has been made to
study the same during our seasonal hydrobiological surveys to
the Park from 13 April 1999 to 24 April 1999 (Summer survey)
and 1 December 1999 to 5 December 1999 (Winter survey).
The Keoladeo National Park is situated in the Indo-Gangetic
flood plains between longitude 77
0
29'5" to 77
0
33'9" E. and latitude
27
0
7'6" to 27
0
12'2" N in the Bharathpur District of Rajasthan. It
is a man-made wetland. The Park covers 29 sq.km. out of which
12 sq.km. forms the wetland zone. It is flat with a gentle slope
towards the centre, forming a depression of about 8.5 sq.km.,
which is the submersible area of the Park, providing shelter to
the water fowls and other aquatic animals. Water level varies
from 0 to 2 m. The area receives water from River Gambhir, a
tributary of River Yamuna. The Park experiences extreme climatic
conditions. Temperature varies from 2
0
C in winter (Nov-Feb) to
49
0
C in summer (Mar-Jun). The average annual rainfall is 662
mm. mostly from the South-west Monsoon during July to
September. Due to varying eco-climatic conditions, the general
vegetation of the Park is remarkable, comprising of 379 species
of plants, which include 96 species of wetland plants (Meena &
Sharma, 1996).
Altogether, 16 species of odonates belonging to two families,
eight subfamilies, and 14 genera were recorded during the study.
Sub order Zygoptera (damselflies) is represented by the family
Coenagrionidae with five species where as Anisoptera
(dragonflies) by family Libellulidae of 11 species. All the 16
species are new reports from the Keoladeo National Park, as
well as new distributional records from the state. Five taxa,
Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabr.), Pseudagrion decorum
(Ramb.), Ischnura delicata (Ramb), Diplacoides trivialis Ramb.
and Rhyothemis variegata variegata Linn. are reported for the
first time from Rajasthan (Mitra, 1999).
The Summer survey showed a total of 10 species (1 Damselfly
and 9 Dragonflies) and winter survey with 12 species (5
Damselflies and 7 Dragonflies). Species such as Ceriagrion
coromandelianum, Orthetrum sabina, Acisoma panorpoides,
Crocothemis servilia, Diplacoides lefbvrei and Diplacoides
trivialis were present during both survey periods.
Brachydiplax sobrina, Brachythemis contaminata and
Rhyothemis vareigata were observed only in summer where as
Psuedagrion decorum, Ischnura delicata, I. senegalensis,
Bradinopyga geminata and Tramea basilaris occured in winter.
In Summer survey, Crocothemis servilia is the most abundant
species in the Park followed by Orthetrum sabina and
Diplacoides trivialis. While in winter, Agriocnemis pygmae is
the most extensively distributed species in the area. A detailed
systematic list along with their seasonal occurrence is given in
Table 1. The classification and nomenclature is adapted after
Fraser (1957) and, Prasad and Varshney (1995).
Systematic Account
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Super family: Coenagrionoidea
Family: Coenagrionidae
Sub family: Pseudagrioniae
1. Ceriagrion coromandelianum(Fabr.)
Material examined: 2 males and 1 female, 21.iv.1999, Kraunch
Sagar; 3 males, 2.xii.1999, Rambund; 2 males and 1 female,
3.xii.1999, Keoladeo Temple; 1 male, 5.xii.1999, Jaltoli Canal; 1
male, 5.xii.1999, Koladahr.
Remarks: Abundant and widely distributed throughout wetlands
in summer as well as in winter.
2. Pseudagrion decorum(Ramb.)
Material examined: 2 males, 3.xii.1999, Keoladeo Temple; 1 female,
2.xii.1999, Rambund.
Remarks: Males common at lake in front of Keoladeo Temple in
winter among littoral vegetation. Female collected from
Hygrophila auriculata thickets at Rambund.
Sub Family: Ischnurinae
3. I schnura delicata Hagen.
Material examined: 1 male, 5.xii.1999, Jaltoli.
Remarks: Rare. Only a single specimen observed in winter among
Hygrophila bushes.
4. Ischnura senegalensisRambur.
Material examined: 3 males, 5.xii.1999, Keoladeo Temple; 1 male,
5.xii.1999, Sampanmari; 1 male, 5.xii.1999, Koladahar.
Remarks: Common at lake in front of Keoladeo Temple among
ZOOS' PRI NT J OURNAL Volume XV Number 8 August 2000 (RNI 1:11)
littoral vegetation, along with Pseudagrion decorum,
Agriocnemis pygmaea and Ceriagrion coromandelianum in
winter. Rare at Sampanmari and Koladahr.
Subfamily: Agriocnemidinae
5. Agriocnemis oygmae(Ramb.)
Material examined: 8 males, 2.xii.1999, Rambund; 1 male, 3.xii.1999,
Keoladeo Temple; 1 male, 4.xii.1999, Python Point; 4 males and 5
females, 5.xii.1999, Koladahr.
Remarks: Most abundant species, found extensively distributed
throughout the wetlands in winter. They remain perched mainly
on Hygrophila auriculata heterochrome females were most
common at Koladahr. Random sweeping of Hygrophila
auriculata bushes during evening hours indicated it as a roosting
place.
Sub Order: Anisoptera
Super Family: Libelluloidae
Family: Libellulidae
Sub Family: Brachydiplactinae
6. Brachydiplax sobrina (Ramb.)
Material examined: 1 male and 2 females, 22.iv.1999, Keoladeo
Temple.
Remarks: Common in summer throughout the wetlands at
Rambund Sampanmari and Keoladeo Temple area. Both male
and female found resting on twigs and shrubs near the wetland.
Subfamily: Libellulinae
7. Orthetrum sabina sabina (Drury)
Material examined: 1 male, 21.iv.1999, Rambund; 1 male, 21.iv.1999,
Kraunch Sagar; 1 male and 1 female, 2.xii.1999, Kraunch Sagar;
1 male and 1 female, 3.xii.1999, Mansarovar.
Remarks: Common throughout the Park in summer, less common
in winter. Observed in tandem and wheel positions in April.
Mostly found perched on bare twigs projecting out of water or
on dry grasses.
Subfamily: Sympetrinae
8. Acisoma panorpoides panorpoides Ramb.
Material examined: 2 females, 21.iv.1999, Sampanmari; 1 male,
21.iv.1999, Sampanmari; 1 male, 3.xii.1999, Sampanmari.
Remarks: Very common near wetlands at Sampanmari and
Keoladeo Temple in summer. Rare in winter. One male collected
from Polygonum glabrum plant near Sampanmari and one female
sighted on the way to Kadamkunj in winter.
9. Brachythemis contaminata (Fabr.)
Material examined: 1 male and 3 females, 22.iv.1999, Koeladeo
Temple.
Remarks: Very common in summer among littoral vegetation at
Keoladeo Temple lake.
10. Bradinopyga geminata (Ramb.)
Material examined: 1 male, 5.xii.1999, Koladhar.
Remarks: Rare. Observed near a cemented tank at Koladahar
chowki.
11. Crocothemis servilia servilia (Drury)
Material examined: 1 female and 1 male, 21.iv.1999, Rambund; 1
male, 22.iv.1999, Keoladeo Temple; 1 female and 1 male, 22.iv.1999,
Sampanmari; 2 females, 21.iv.1999, Nauka Vihar; 2 males and 1
female, 19.iv.1999, Santikutir; 1 female, 22.iv.1999, Python point;
1 male and 1 female 4.xii.1999, Kadamkunj; 1 male and 1 female,
3.xii.1999, Sampanmari; 1 female and 1 male, 5.xii.1999, Koladahar;
2 females, 3.xii.1999, Sampanmari.
Remarks: Very common during both survey periods. Extensively
distributed throughout the Park. A small population found
roosting on Hygrophila auriculata bushes at Shantikutir in
early morning hours. The left hindwing of a male and a female
showed variation and assymetry in wing venation. The discoidal
cell of left hindwing traversed once in both the specimens, the
right being entire.
12. Deplacoides lefbvrei (Ramb.)
Material examined: 2 males, 22.iv.1999, Sampanmari; 1 male,
2.xii.1999, Rambund.
Remarks: Very common near wetlands in April, distributed
throughout the Park in December. Found perched on trek paths
and open areas.
13. Diplacoides trivialis (Ramb.)
Material examined: 1 female, 21.iv.1999, Rambund; 1 male,
21.iv.1999, Kraunch Sagar; 1 female, 2.xii.1999, Kraunch Sagar;
2 females, 5.xii.1999, Koladahar.
Remarks: Common throughout the Park during summer and
winter. Found on trek paths and open areas.
Subfamily: Trithemistinae
14. Trithemis pallidinervis Kirby.
Material examined: 2 females, 21.iv.1999, Rambund.
Remarks: Rare
Subfamily: Trameinae
15. Rhyothemis variegata variegata Linn.
Material examined: 1 female, 21.iv.1999, Rambund.
Remarks: Rare. Only a single specimen collected from Rambund
in summer.
16. Tramea basilaris burmeisteri Kirby.
Material examined: 1 male, 5.xii.1999, Koladahar.
Remarks: Rare. Only recorded in the drier parts of Koladahar
and Bahnera area towards Chicksana Canal during winter.
Odonata of Keoladeo National Park, Bharathpur, Rajasthan, India M.J. Palot and V.P. Soniya
318
ZOOS' PRI NT J OURNAL Volume XV Number 8 August 2000 (RNI 1:11)
Odonata of Keoladeo National Park, Bharathpur, Rajasthan, India M.J. Palot and V.P. Soniya
Bharatpur City
To Jaipur
Visitor Centre
To Agra
Kraunch
Sagar
Forest
Lodge
Ramband
Boating
Area
Mansarovar
P
y
th
o
n
P
o
in
t
Keoladeo
Temple
Koladhar
Ajan
Bund
Trail Dyke
Trail No. 1
Trail No. 2
Trail No. 3
Trail No. 4
Canal
Road black top
Jeepable tracks
Boundary wall
Water line
Scale
Barpur
S
a
m
p
a
n
m
a
ri
Santi
Kutir
Kadam
Kunj
Chicksana Canal
Map of Keoladeo National
Park, Bharatpur
Jaltoli
319
ZOOS' PRI NT J OURNAL Volume XV Number 8 August 2000 (RNI 1:11)
Acknowledgements
The authors are greatful to Director, Zoological Survey of India
and Officer-in-Charge, Zoological Survey of India, Freshwater
Biological Station for various facilities. Thanks are also due to
Dr. S.Z. Siddiqi and Sri S.S. Kamble, the leaders of the survey
parties and Mrs. Shruthi Sharma, Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur for the help rendered to
undertake the survey.
References
Agrawal, J.P. (1957). Contributions towards the Odonata fauna of
Pilani. Proc. 44
th
Ind. Sci. Cong. Calcutta. Part 3. Abstract no. 28: 309.
Bose, G. and T.R. Mitra (1975). The Odonata fauna of Rajasthan.
Rec. Zool. Surv. India 71: 1-11.
Fraser, F.C. (1933-36). Fauna of British India including Ceylon and
Burma. Odonata Vol.1-3. Taylor & Francis, London.
Fraser, F.C. 1957. A re-classification of order Odonata. R. Soc. N.S.W.
Hand Book # 12.
Meena, B.L. and S. Sharma (1996). Keoladeo National Park,
Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Forest Department, Rajasthan.
Mitra, T.R. (1999). Geographical diatribution and zoogeography of
Odonata (Insecta) of Meghalaya, India. Rec. Zool. Surv. India. Occ.pap.
170: 1-63.
Prasad, M. and R.K. Thakur (1981). Further additions to the Odonata
fauna of Rajasthan. Jantu 1: 26-29.
Prasad, M. and R.K. Varshney (1995). Odonate fauna of India.
Oriental Insects 29: 385-428.
Thakur, B.K. (1985). Field notes on the Odonata around lake Kailana,
Jodhpur (Rajasthan). Bull. Zool. Surv. India. 7(1): 143-149.
320
Table 1. Species List Showing Seasonal Occurrence.
Species Summer Winter
1. Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabr.) + +
2. Pseudagrion decorum (Ramb.) - +
3. Ischnura delicata Hagen. - +
4. Ischnura senegalensis (Ramb.) - +
5. Agriocnemis pygmae (Ramb.) - +
6. Brachydiplax sobrina (Ramb.) + -
7. Orthetrum sabina sabina (Drury) + +
8. Acisoma panorpoides panorpoides (Ramb.) + +
9. Brachythemis contaminata (Fabr.) + -
10. Bradinopyga geminata (Ramb.) - +
11. Crocothemis servilia servilia (Drury). + +
12. Diplacoides lefbvrei (Ramb.) + +
13. Diplacoides trivialis (Ramb.) + +
14. Trithemis pallidinervis Kirby. + -
15. Rhyothemis variegata variegata Linn. + -
16. Tramea basilaris burmeisteri Kirby. - +
Odonata of Keoladeo National Park, Bharathpur, Rajasthan, India M.J. Palot and V.P. Soniya