Diversity, species composition and distribution of odonates (odonata) in Johor state, peninsular Malaysia

Johor is undergoing rapid socioeconomic development; some forms of prioritization of conservation area are needed as the best resemblance of original biodiversity. Through effective management, it would assist the state for a better conservation practice. The purpose of this research is to provide a baseline data of odonates in Johor to facilitate prioritization of conservation areas as well as in planning, managing and sustainable usage of biodiversity. The objectives of this research are to determine the diversity and species composition of odonates in selected sites in Johor, to map distribution pattern based on faunistic and ecological aspects and to identify identify prioritize conservation areas and potential sites for odonate tourism using priority grid analysis based on specific criteria. Samplings were carried out from November 2016 to October 2017 in nine selected sites in Johor. Adult odonates were collected using aerial net in each of the 21 stations located at equidistant of 50 m along a one km transect for a total of 648 man-hours. The species distribution map of odonate was determined using both direct and indirect approaches in visualizing the distribution patterns. Total of 2,222 individuals of 84 species from 13 families and 58 genera were recorded. From all the nine sites, Libellulidae was the most well-represented family in terms of species richness (44%) and abundance (59%). Shannon Diversity Index (H’), and Species Evenness Index (E’) were highest in Taman Negara Johor Endau-Rompin (H’= 3.16; E’= 0.73) and lowest in Hutan Lipur Soga Perdana (H’= 2.44; E’= 0.50). The site with highest priority was Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang with a score value of 62 while the lowest priority was recorded in Hutan Lipur Gunung Pulai with a score value of 23. Similarly, site with the highest potential towards odonate tourism was Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang with score value of 99 and Hutan Lipur Gunung Pulai being the lowest with score value of 55.This study indicated the usefulness of species distribution mapping as a tool to prioritize conservation areas. In addition, this study reveals the potential of odonates as product for entomotourism in Johor

Diversity and Species Composition of Odonates (Insecta: Odonata) of Hutan Lipur Soga Perdana, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia: A Green Lung

In Malaysia, Odonates have been used widely in the assessment of water quality. This study is part of an effort to prepare a baseline data for the state of Johor, where development is happening at a fast rate which in turn could affect the water quality. Hutan Lipur Bukit Soga Perdana is a green lung for Batu Pahat which is considered as the second largest industrial town in Malaysia. Opportunistic sampling using sweep nets along 1 km line transect was conducted for a total of six days. Twenty-two species of Odonata belonging to 17 genera and seven families were recorded. Among the seven families, the most species-rich were Libellulidae (12 species) followed by Coenagrionidae and Platycnemididae (three species) while Gomphidae, Platystictidae, Devadattidae and Euphaeidae represented by single species. Drepanosticta fontinalis, a damselfly endemic to Peninsular Malaysia was collected. The abundance of the endemic Drepanosticta fontinalis was 10.3% from a total of 126 individuals. Tyriobapta torrida (15.9%) was found to be the most abundant species found followed by Prodasineura notostigma (12.7%) and Neurothemis fluctuans (11.9%). The data were further analysed by using Shannon-Wiener Species Diversity Index giving a value of 2.63 indicating a moderate diversity. Simpson’s Evenness is 0.91 indicating a high evenness in the distribution of Odonates. Since the forest gains high public interest in Batu Pahat and Odonates are visible and useful insects, more studies could be done, and the data could be transferred to the public as a model for biodiversity and conservation

Faunistic studies of odonates (insecta: odonata) in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia

The purpose of this research is to study the diversity and distribution of odonates in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. The method used for odonate sampling was manual collection along 1 km line transect using aerial net. Overall, a total of 2222 individuals under 84 species from 13 families and 58 genera were recorded. Family Libellulidae was the most well-represented family. Shannon Diversity Index (H’) and Evenness Index (E) were highest in Endau-Rompin Johor National Park (H’= 3.155; E= 0.733) and lowest in Soga Perdana Recreational Forest (H’= 2.444; E= 0.501). To determine the site with highest conservation priority, the ecological data and entomotourism criteria was further analyzed using grid analysis. The site with highest priority was Endau-Rompin Johor National Park with a score value of 52 while the lowest priority was recorded in Sungai Sayong with a score value of 35. All these data will be helpful in assisting towards a better management of the conservation areas in Johor

Faunistic studies of odonates (insecta: odonata) in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia

The purpose of this research is to study the diversity and distribution of odonates in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. The method used for odonate sampling was manual collection along 1 km line transect using aerial net. Overall, a total of 2222 individuals under 84 species from 13 families and 58 genera were recorded. Family Libellulidae was the most well-represented family. Shannon Diversity Index (H’) and Evenness Index (E) were highest in Endau-Rompin Johor National Park (H’= 3.155; E= 0.733) and lowest in Soga Perdana Recreational Forest (H’= 2.444; E= 0.501). To determine the site with highest conservation priority, the ecological data and entomotourism criteria was further analyzed using grid analysis. The site with highest priority was Endau-Rompin Johor National Park with a score value of 52 while the lowest priority was recorded in Sungai Sayong with a score value of 35. All these data will be helpful in assisting towards a better management of the conservation areas in Johor