An index to estimate the vulnerability of damselflies and dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) to land use changes using niche modeling

Abstract We developed an index of vulnerability for odonates (IVO) that occurred predominantly in Mexico to assess land use change. Vulnerability was defined as a function of A) habits of the species and B) ecological niche models. Index validation was done by relating it to rate of vegetation cover change, with the habitat preferences of each species and with species’ sensitivity to habitat deterioration. Thus, the most sensitive species would be found in areas with no change in land use. IVO values ranged from a maximum of three (i.e., the most sensitive) to a minimum of one (i.e., the least sensitive). As it was demonstrated in other studies, odonates did not show a clear preference between conserved and perturbed land uses. Interestingly, the few sensitive species were clearly resilient and can be found in a wide range of land use types, thus they may be more generalist than previously thought.