Odonate fauna assemblages in the “Cansiglio Forest” (Insecta: Odonata)

Odonata is considered a "flagship" group of insects and its investigation is of primary importance especially for protected areas where freshwater ecosystems occur. In this study, we focused on Odonate fauna in the "Cansiglio Forest" (Veneto, Italy), a karst area where the only checklist available dates back more than 40 years ago. In order to update the Odonate adult distribution in the area, we selected 21 ponds that were sampled monthly, from May to August, during a 2-years survey. In total, 21 species (belonging to 14 genera and 5 families) have been recorded: we confirmed 15 species from the previous species list and we added to the whole species list 6 new species. Dominant families were represented by Libellulidae (33%) and Aeshnidae (23%), the most common genus was Sympetrum (19%), and the most frequent species was Coenagrion puella (63%). In term of patterns of species richness, highly grazed and pastured ponds exhibited the lower number of species and individuals, as a probable response to the high level of animal disturbance on the vegetation and due to the eutrophication processes. Our results are important also in terms of conservation and management of freshwater sites belonging to Natura 2000 site.