Collecting in situ physicochemical parameters using a HANNA multiparameter probe meter. © G. Kagoro, 2023

However, forest vegetation cover in ECFR has significantly declined due to illegal anthropogenic activities. Conservation efforts in the region predominantly focus on vertebrates and plants, overlooking the astonishing diversity of invertebrates, such as odonates (Plumptre et al., 2007; Bugabo et al., 2023). High population density, extreme poverty, and reliance on forest resources continue to exert immense pressure on these ecosystems (MEMD, 2015; Salerno et al., 2018; Bugabo et al., 2023). The recent discovery of petroleum deposits has exacerbated the situation by triggering increased immigration and associated habitat degradation (International Alert, 2013). These cascading threats accelerate the extinction of sensitive taxa like odonates, many of which may vanish unnoticed.

This project aims to document the odonate assemblage in two Afromontane forests in a biodiversity hotspot, the Albertine Rift i.e. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) and Echuya Central Forest Reserve (ECFR). The project intends to focus on updating the IUCN conservation status of threatened Albertine Rift endemic odonate species.

Rigorous longitudinal surveys will be conducted across wet and dry seasons, collecting odonate specimens and environmental data along the key forest watersheds and wetlands. The study will identify key odonate habitat and their associated threats, providing critical insights for conservation strategies. Additionally, the research team will recruit one graduate student as a research assistant and will work with resident citizen scientists from the local community to ensure capacity build of academic and local communities in odobnate conservation. An Odonate Conservation Campaign will engage a local primary school close to a most degraded forest, fostering awareness and community participation in odonate conservation.