Odonata Diversity at University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato

Odonata are good biocontrol agents of agricultural pests and vector mosquitoes and even an indicator of environmental changes and health status of ecosystem. However, there are limited studies that have been conducted especially on lowland ecosystems. The study was conducted using time constraint with 4 exposure hours and opportunistic sampling protocols. Result of the study revealed 13 species of odonata belonging to three families, 2 of which are Zygopterans and only one family belonging to Anisoptera with 11 species. Libellulidae dominates the recorded species. 8 species are found in USMARC and 6 species in housing. One Philippine endemic was documented - Rhinocypha colorata. Diversity is low in the two sampling sites and high disturbance is found in housing (63%). Similarity index showed that 92% are disconcordant species. Low species diversity and low endemism of odonata is an indicator that the area is already disturbed as measured by the high number of common/oriental species and existence of environmental and anthropogenic activities. Thus, a conservation strategy for this important species will be implemented.

 

Keywords: odonata, USM, disturbance, oriental species