Response of Odonata assemblages to disturbance in urban freshwater habitats

Abstract

Urbanisation continues to increase at an alarming rate and its effects on the natural environment are very profound now more than ever. Moreover, studies on terrestrial urban landscapes seems to be more than that on urban freshwater habitats. Furthermore, studies have shown that the Odonata are effective indicators of the effects of urbanisation on freshwater habitats. However, not much is known about their responses to urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa, especially given the unique set of conditions that characterise the area. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate differences in Odonata responses, measured as the proportion of habitat generalists, to three levels of habitat disturbance in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Results showed that Phaon camerunensis was a potential indicator of habitat disturbance. Also, differences in habitat disturbance significantly affected Odonata composition. The most important variables that influenced Odonata responses were the individual and interaction effects of altitude and preservation of riparian vegetation. Therefore, conservation strategies that are targeted at reducing the impacts of urbanisation on Odonata must focus on these variables.