Unveiling Management Implication for Odonata Assemblages in the Albertine Tropical Rain Forests, Uganda

Abstract Odonata is a cosmopolitan, charismatic group of insects residing on all continents except Antarctica, with notable species richness in Africa's tropical montane forests. In East Africa, this group is threatened by habitat loss and degradation driven by rapid population growth. This study investigated odonate assemblages and their conservation concern in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP, Afromontane) and Bugoma Central Forest Reserve (BCFR, mid-altitude) in the Albertine Rift in Uganda. From December 2022 to July 2023, 61 sites were cross-sectionally surveyed (26 in BCFR, 35 in BINP) to analyse community composition, habitat preferences, and conservation threats. Odonate key habitat areas in these forests were mapped. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling revealed distinct odonate communities in BCFR and BINP with limited overlap. Odonate diversity was computed using Shannon-diversity indices. BCFR registered a significantly higher overall diversity (median H = 1.03) than BINP (median H = 0.65, p = 0.01). However, BINP hosted more range-restricted and globally threatened species, with a higher Threat-Based Score (median TBS = 2.00) compared to BCFR (median TBS = 0.00, p < 0.01). Threatened species such as Neodythemis munyaga (Endangered) and Albertine-Rift endemics; Stenocypha molindica and Stenocypha jacksoni were strongly associated with BINP’s high-altitude, pristine streams characterized by high dissolved oxygen, low temperatures, and clear water. Substantial anthropogenic pressures were recorded in BCFR threatening critical odonate habitats. A notable discovery was Neodythemis nyungwe (Vulnerable) at 1975m in BINP’s Ruhija sector, its first record in Uganda, previously known only in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We emphasise the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to preserve the forest ecosystem services and their unique odonate diversity.