Guwahati: A rare Spoon-tailed Duskhawker dragonfly (Gynacantha basiguttata) has been photographed for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh at Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, adding a significant new record to the state’s biodiversity documentation.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the discovery as another notable addition to Arunachal Pradesh’s biodiversity profile and highlighted the remarkable diversity of species found across the state’s forest ecosystems.
The dragonfly was first photographed in October 2024 along the Miao-Vijaynagar Road within the Namdapha landscape. It was initially identified as another species, but subsequent taxonomic examination confirmed it as Gynacantha basiguttata.
The record also contributes to India’s Odonata checklist, which covers dragonflies and damselflies, while demonstrating the scope for further scientific discoveries in Arunachal Pradesh’s largely unexplored forest habitats.
Located in Changlang district, Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve is recognised for its exceptional diversity of flora and fauna and has produced several significant wildlife records over the years.
The latest documentation highlights the need for continued biodiversity surveys, taxonomic research and systematic species documentation across the state’s extensive forest landscapes.
Mein said the discovery further underlines Namdapha’s ecological importance and strengthens Arunachal Pradesh’s standing as one of India’s most biodiversity-rich regions.