SANGUEM

Goa is ready to host the 4th Dragonflyindia Meet and 9th Symposium of Indian Odonatology at Surla-Sacordem from September 15 to 19, 2017.

Odonatology is the science of studying dragonflies and damselflies, collectively referred to as odonates. They are excellent indicators of health of wetland ecosystems on which their lifecycle is dependent. Popularly known as “bhirmut” in Goa, till recently very little was known about the diversity of these specialist insects in the state. Sustained efforts by researchers such as Omkar Dharwadkar, Rohan Naik, Sridhar and Dhiraj Halali, led by Parag Rangnekar, has put more light on their status with 103 species known from the state Including one species new to science, Goan Shadow Dancer (Idionyx gomantakensis)

The five day meet will see enthusiasts, researchers and scientists from reputed organisations like the ZSI come together and share information on various aspects of Odonatology viz., diversity, biology, behaviour and conservation. The meet will have in-house sessions, field visits, panel discussions and hands-on demonstrations.

The meet is organised by Dragonflyindia, South Asian Council of Odonatology, Mrugaya Xpeditions and Hislop College, Nagpur, in association with the Goa State Biodiversity Board. Nature’s Nest, Bolcornem is the venue for the meet.