Orange-sided Threadtail (Neoneura carnatica)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 240534121

Distribution, ecology and conservation status of the Cuban endemic damselfly Neoneura carnatica

The objective of our project are to update the distribution and abundance of N. carnatica in the area of study, to identify threats that could affect the survival of the specie by measuring water and environmental parameters, presence of organic and inorganic waste and characteristics of the riparian vegetation and canopy cover. We also will study ecological aspects of N. carnatica like seasonality, preferred vegetation, emergence, copulation, and oviposition behavior. All these will contribute to the assessment of its conservation status based on the data collected and following the IUCN criteria. As parto of our conservation plan we want to generate educational materials and carry out training workshops for nearby communities and staff from the nearest protected areas, regarding the identification and importance of N. carnatica and other key species of the location and their survival threads.

 So far, we have identified nine new locations for these species and, for the first time, have characterized both the water quality and environmental conditions in order to define the habitat and detect threats affecting the survival of the populations. Unfortunately, many of these locations are outside protected areas, and those with some level of protection are situated in regions highly attractive for tourism, which compromises conservation efforts due to economic interests. Nevertheless, we have conducted four workshops with the involved communities and authorities, and the response has been very positive.

The western region of Cuba experienced a severe hurricane last November, which significantly impacted many rural communities where we conduct our work and interrupted our monitoring efforts. From November to May, we were unable to detect the populations at our study sites. Additionally, the ongoing extreme drought affecting our country is negatively impacting odonate populations. Fortunately, with the onset of the rainy season, despite limited rainfall, we have detected the populations again and resumed our studies. We hope to have covered most of the proposed study area by the end of the year.

The results obtained so far, with the support of this grant, were compiled into the graduation thesis of one of our students, who received the highest score for his presentation. Furthermore, these results were presented at the annual congress organized by Havana University, “Saber UH.” These findings will also be presented on August 10th at the International Congress of Odonatology (ICO2025) to be held in Colombia.

We have published many of our field trips and workshops images at https://www.instagram.com/ana_animalens/