<p>Chikkamagaluru: Saffron reedtail, a rare species of damselfly, endemic to regions with a well-balanced ecosystem and rich biodiversity, has been sighted in Karnataka for the first time. Two naturalists identified these damselflies along the forest edges of the Western Ghats.</p><p>Recorded primarily in the southern Western Ghats areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these rare damselflies have now been spotted in the Netravati Valley in Chikkamagaluru district. This suggests their possible expansion to the northern parts of the Western Ghats as well.</p><p>Naturalists Tejas Mehanday and Ajith Padiyar spotted five of these damselflies in a forested area near the Netravati river close to Madhugundi village in Mudigere taluk. They captured their photographs and studied their behaviour. Their research has been published in the quarterly journal Entomon.</p><p>“Also known as Indosticta decanensis, these damselflies are characterised by their bright orange bodies, which is why they are called Saffron reedtail. They are typically found in forest streams surrounded by dense vegetation,” explains Ajith Padiyar, a naturalist working at the River Mist Resort in Madhugundi.</p><p>Damselflies which are delicate in nature belong to a rare species with thin, fragile bodies and a distinctive young tangerine-orange hue. They thrive in slow-moving, pristine freshwater streams deep within forests. They prefer breeding in unpolluted and clear water, Padiyar says.</p><p>He adds that they are sensitive to environmental changes. “If pollution increases or the climate undergoes drastic shifts, these damselflies disappear. The presence of these damselflies is a strong indicator of a well-balanced ecosystem. They do not survive in degraded forests or polluted water bodies. If they are seen in an area, it means the environment there is still intact,” Padiyar explains.</p><p><strong>Back to life</strong> </p><p>Madhugundi drew attention in 2019 when devastating floods and landslides destroyed homes, forcing residents to take shelter in relief camps. Today, however, the region’s forests showcase incredible biodiversity.</p><p>“There are immense opportunities for environmental studies in Madhugundi, located within the Netravati Valley amidst the Charmadi hills. We prioritise offering these opportunities to guests keenly interested in ecological research,” says Sreejith, head of River Mist Resort.</p><p>“We educate visitors on how even the smallest creatures play a crucial role in shaping the environment and how their presence is vital for biodiversity. At night, the sounds of wildlife creatures remind us that nature is not limited to humans alone. That is why, we have appointed naturalists to enhance this understanding,” he explains.</p>
<p>Chikkamagaluru: Saffron reedtail, a rare species of damselfly, endemic to regions with a well-balanced ecosystem and rich biodiversity, has been sighted in Karnataka for the first time. Two naturalists identified these damselflies along the forest edges of the Western Ghats.</p><p>Recorded primarily in the southern Western Ghats areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these rare damselflies have now been spotted in the Netravati Valley in Chikkamagaluru district. This suggests their possible expansion to the northern parts of the Western Ghats as well.</p><p>Naturalists Tejas Mehanday and Ajith Padiyar spotted five of these damselflies in a forested area near the Netravati river close to Madhugundi village in Mudigere taluk. They captured their photographs and studied their behaviour. Their research has been published in the quarterly journal Entomon.</p><p>“Also known as Indosticta decanensis, these damselflies are characterised by their bright orange bodies, which is why they are called Saffron reedtail. They are typically found in forest streams surrounded by dense vegetation,” explains Ajith Padiyar, a naturalist working at the River Mist Resort in Madhugundi.</p><p>Damselflies which are delicate in nature belong to a rare species with thin, fragile bodies and a distinctive young tangerine-orange hue. They thrive in slow-moving, pristine freshwater streams deep within forests. They prefer breeding in unpolluted and clear water, Padiyar says.</p><p>He adds that they are sensitive to environmental changes. “If pollution increases or the climate undergoes drastic shifts, these damselflies disappear. The presence of these damselflies is a strong indicator of a well-balanced ecosystem. They do not survive in degraded forests or polluted water bodies. If they are seen in an area, it means the environment there is still intact,” Padiyar explains.</p><p><strong>Back to life</strong> </p><p>Madhugundi drew attention in 2019 when devastating floods and landslides destroyed homes, forcing residents to take shelter in relief camps. Today, however, the region’s forests showcase incredible biodiversity.</p><p>“There are immense opportunities for environmental studies in Madhugundi, located within the Netravati Valley amidst the Charmadi hills. We prioritise offering these opportunities to guests keenly interested in ecological research,” says Sreejith, head of River Mist Resort.</p><p>“We educate visitors on how even the smallest creatures play a crucial role in shaping the environment and how their presence is vital for biodiversity. At night, the sounds of wildlife creatures remind us that nature is not limited to humans alone. That is why, we have appointed naturalists to enhance this understanding,” he explains.</p>