β-diversity of odonate community of the Ganga River: partitioning and insights from local and species contribution

The beta-diversity studies reveal diversity patterns at a spatial scale and strengthen the process of regional diversity conservation. The aim of the current study was to understand the pattern of local contribution to beta-diversity (LCBD) and species contribution to beta-diversity (SCBD) of odonates in the Ganga River. We selected 27 sites along the banks of the Ganga River for the study, with an average distance between sites of 75 km, and recorded 30 species of odonate (species richness between 5 and 24) at these sites. Using beta-regression analysis, we examined the impact of species richness and habitat variables on the LCBD. The LCBD was found to be negatively correlated with species richness and influenced by creeping macrophytes, water temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity. We found that species with high SCBD scores (above 0.05) had intermediate occupancy (between 10 and 16 sites), including 5 species of dragonfly and 5 species of dragonfly, and that the second-degree term the relationship between SCBD and the number of declared locations better stocked with species than in the first degree. Since the SCBD is responsible for identifying species that make the greatest contribution to beta-diversity and the LCBD is responsible for identifying sites with particular combinations of species, the combined approach using both should be included for ecological assessments, river biodiversity restoration and maintenance plans.

Automated summary

This study examines the contribution of Odontates species to beta-diversity in the Ganga River and analyzes the impact of species richness and habitat variables on local contribution to beta-diversity. The results show that local contribution is negatively correlated with species richness and is influenced by habitat variables. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of species contribution in identifying those species that make the greatest contribution to beta-diversity.