Diversity of odonata in Danau Kemiri Pagardewa and adjacent areas, Lubai Ulu, Muara Enim, South Sumatera

The existence and diversity of Odonata can provide information for habitat management planning, particularly regarding their role in the food chain and their potential as bioindicators in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Danau Kemiri in Pagardewa, Lubai Ulu District, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra, is projected as a nature-based tourism site, however information on its potential as Odonata habitat is not yet available. Therefore, this study aimed to map the diversity of Odonata in the Danau Kemiri and its surroundings areas. Odonata observations were conducted using the Visual Encounter Survey in August 2025 at three adjacent locations: Danau Kemiri (DKM), a small water channel (SAL), and Arboretum of SKG Pagardewa (SKG). In total, 25 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) from 4 families and 6 species of damselflies (Zygoptera) from 3 families were identified. The DKM had the highest species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') value (22 species, H'= 2.764), followed by the SKG (13 species, H'= 2.251) and the lowest at the SAL (10 species, H'= 1.823), respectively. The Anisoptera encountered were more concentrated around the DKM, while the Zygoptera tended to be at the SAL, indicating a tendency for each Odonata species to distribute to habitats with specific characteristics. The dominant Anisoptera were Neurothemis fluctuans and Pantala flavescens, while the dominant Zygoptera were Libellago hyalina, Copera vittata, and ProDasineura verticalis. Although the area is not very large, Danau Kemiri and its surroundings serve as an important habitat for Odonata.