Archive · 28 Sep 2025
Dragonfly Populations Surge in Delhi Parks, New Species Found
Imagine tiny helicopters called dragonflies and damselflies!
Scientists counted lots of them in Delhi parks.
They found more than last year, showing the parks are getting healthier.
They also found a new type of dragonfly!
These bugs are important because they eat mosquitoes, which can make people sick.
The scientists studied these bugs to see how the parks are doing.
More dragonflies mean fewer mosquitoes and that’s good after heavy rains!
They breed in the water, so a lot of rain helps them have babies.
A three-day survey recorded a significant increase in dragonfly and damselfly populations across Delhi Development Authority parks.
The total count of dragonflies and damselflies rose by 54% compared to the previous year.
The yellow-tailed ashy skimmer dragonfly was recorded for the first time at Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
Kamla Nehru Ridge and Kalindi parks had the highest counts and species diversity.
Dragonflies and damselflies act as bioindicators and predators of mosquitoes.
- Who
- Researchers, DDA Biodiversity Parks program, and University of Delhi students
- What
- A survey of dragonflies and damselflies, revealing population increases and a new species.
- When
- September 25-27, post-monsoon season
- Where
- 7 Delhi Development Authority biodiversity parks
- Why
- To gauge ecosystem recovery, assess the impact of monsoon rains, and understand the role of dragonflies in controlling mosquitoes.
- Dragonfly Count Increase
- 54% increase from last year (8,630 to 13,253)
- Survey Duration
- 3 days (September 25-27)
- Parks Surveyed
- 7 Delhi Development Authority (DDA) biodiversity parks
- New Species Identified
- Yellow-tailed ashy skimmer (Potamarcha congener) at Yamuna Biodiversity Park
- Dominant Species in Parks
- Wandering gliders; ditch jewel
- Odonate Species in Delhi
- Approximately 51