Dragonflies (Odonata) in Cocoa Growing Areas in the Atlantic Forest: Taxonomic Diversity and Relationships with Environmental and Spatial Variables

Abstract

In the south of Bahia state, a large part of the native Atlantic Forest areas has been modified for the cultivation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao). These crops are cultivated under the shade of the canopy of native trees, a system locally known as the “cabruca” agroforestry system. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of Odonata assemblages (adults and larvae) in cocoa farming areas and to identify the relationships of these species with local and spatial environmental variables of the monitored sites. Altogether, adult and larvae were sampled at 22 sites. Physical and physicochemical water variables were recorded for each site. A total of 1336 dragonflies were collected, of which 20 were Zygoptera species and 30 were adult Anisoptera representatives. The different life stages were related to environmental variables such as conductivity, watercourse channel width, and dissolved oxygen. The space predictors were also associated with the assemblages, mainly for adults. The present study identified that cabruca areas maintain a great diversity of dragonflies, including species that are considered to be forest specialists and more sensitive to landscape changes. The characteristics of this cropping system are considered to be favorable for the conservation of the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.

A Special Issue on the Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata)

“…The study shows the importance of conserving riparian vegetation and implementing sustainable land use practices to protect aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. The second article, "Dragonflies (Odonata) in cocoa growing areas in the Atlantic Forest: taxonomic diversity and relationships with environmental and spatial variables" [18], investigated the impact of cocoa cultivation on Odonata assemblages and determined the relationship between different life stages of Odonata and local and spatial environmental variables. The study found that agroforestry cabruca areas where cocoa is grown in the shade of native trees harbor a variety of dragonfly species, including forest specialists, and that local and spatial environmental characteristics are important factors in structuring these assemblages.…”