By Abdullahi Lukman
Researchers studying dragonflies and damselflies in Colombia’s Guainía region estimate that the area may be home to nearly 120 species, highlighting its exceptional freshwater biodiversity and the need to protect its threatened ecosystems.
The finding emerged from the Dragones Guainía project, which has spent the past three years surveying the region’s rivers, streams and temporary pools. When the project began, only about 10 species had been documented in the area.
Yiselle Cano, a doctoral candidate at Argentina’s National University of La Plata and biodiversity leader of the project, said the growing species count reflects the region’s unique position at the intersection of the Orinoco, Amazon and Guiana Shield ecosystems.
Researchers are also working with Indigenous communities to document and name the insects in ancestral languages, creating a link between scientific research, cultural knowledge and environmental conservation.
The initiative has encouraged communities to identify dragonflies and damselflies based on their appearance, behaviour and habitats. Some Indigenous groups have revived existing names, while others have created new terms in languages that are at risk of disappearing.
Researchers said the community-led naming process is helping Indigenous people strengthen their connection to local biodiversity while also raising awareness of the importance of protecting freshwater resources.
Dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as Odonata, are considered important indicators of freshwater ecosystem health because much of their life cycle occurs in water. Their larvae feed on mosquito larvae, aquatic insects, tadpoles and small fish, while many species require clean, well-oxygenated water to develop.
The insects also play an ecological role by helping control mosquito populations, making their presence valuable to both ecosystems and local communities.
However, the freshwater habitats on which they depend face growing pressure from deforestation, including tree cutting for charcoal, and increasing tourism. Researchers warn that deterioration of water quality could threaten both dragonfly populations and the communities that depend on the region’s waterways.
With nearly 7,000 dragonfly and damselfly species recorded globally, the researchers say further study of Guainía could reveal additional species while providing valuable information for protecting its forests, rivers and Indigenous communities.
