Rare Ice Age Bird Rediscovered in Western Ghats

Quick Summary:

• Odanatologists have reconfirmed the presence of the dragonfly species Crocothemis erythraea in high-elevation regions of the southern Western Ghats.
• The species was previously misidentified as or overlooked for its resemblance to the more widespread lowland species, Crocothemis servilia.
• Two known Indian species within the genus Crocothemis are: C. servilia (found in lowlands) and C. erythraea, which prefers cooler, high-altitude habitats (>550 m).
• Field expeditions between 2019 and 2023 collected specimens from areas like Munnar, Wagamon, Pampadum Shola, Rajakumari, and Parambikulam.
• Research combined morphological identification (noting distinct male genitalia features) with DNA barcoding for better accuracy; molecular evidence showed similarities between Western Ghats’ C. erythraea populations and those found in Himalayan habitats.
• Researchers note that climatic shifts during the Pleistocene Ice Age enabled temperate fauna like C. erythraea to extend into southern India’s montane zones before becoming isolated due to climate warming.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
This discovery is critically important from both ecological and scientific perspectives as it highlights how climatic events have influenced biodiversity distribution in India’s Western Ghats-one of India’s most critical environmental hotspots. Reconfirming a rare species like Crocothemis erythraea, especially through rigorous fieldwork and molecular techniques, underscores advancements in research methodologies that can resolve longstanding identification errors.

These findings not only contribute to understanding biodiversity but also emphasize conservation priorities for unique montane habitats under growing threat due to climate change or human activity. As regional ecosystems host stranded populations of temperate fauna dating back millennia, further interdisciplinary studies are vital for ensuring their survival amidst ongoing environmental shifts.Read More: August 29, 2025