Odonata of Wadi Al Mujib Catchment with Notes on the Impact of Wadi Al Mujib Dam, Jordan (Insecta: Odonata)

A total of 14 species pertaining to five families (Platycnemididae, Coenagrionidae, Gomphidae, Aeshnidae and Libellulidae) were identified along eight sites in the Wadi Al Mujib catchment. Collected species varied along the eight sampling sites, ranging from a single species from Al Mujib dam to a maximum of seven species in the waterfalls to the bridge site. In the present study, eight species are considered as new records to the Odonata of the Wadi Al Mujib catchment (Ischnura elegans, I. evansi, I. fountaineae, I. senegalensis, Anax parthenope, Orthetrum sabina, Sympetrum fonscolombii and Zygonyx torridus). Such changes over the past 35 years reflect the dynamics of dragonflies’ spatial movement within their distribution range. Results shown in this study strongly indicates the negative impact of the Wadi Al Mujib dam on the dragonfly fauna, as a single species was recovered from the dam proper. This is mainly due to the sharp cliffs and water level fluctuation and the limited breeding areas. Few flat areas with scarce vegetation were identified around the dam. Water level fluctuation does not allow steady vegetation growth around the edges of the dam, yet, the abrupt water depth is not suitable for development of the larval stages of dragonflies. Sharp edges are not suitable for breeding and perching of these insects.