Ecosystem Services Provided by Dragonflies (Odonata): Specific context – Jharkhand; broader perspectives – India and Global
Authors: Rupam Raj, Manoj Kumar, Rakesh Ranjan, Priti Bharti, Anupa Sonal, Anupa Tigga, Bharti Singh Raipat
Accepted for Publication: January 2026 | Volume 2, Issue 1, OMXX
Abstract
Dragonflies (order Odonata) provide a suite of ecosystem services that link freshwater and terrestrial systems. This review synthesises current knowledge on the biological roles of dragonflies: their regulating, supporting, cultural and limited provisioning services, emphasising evidence (where available) from the Indian state of Jharkhand, and situating that evidence within the wider context of India and global research. We highlight dragonflies as predators regulating insect populations, bio‐indicators of freshwater quality, contributors to nutrient cycling and food-web connectivity, and as a focus for citizen science and cultural ecosystem services. The review identifies the paucity of work from Jharkhand, outlines research gaps, and proposes recommendations for integrating odonate-based monitoring into wetland management in Jharkhand.
Keywords: Dragonfly, Odonata, ecosystem services, Jharkhand, freshwater wetlands, pest-control, bioindicators, India.
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