BANGKOK — Thai and Vietnamese researchers have discovered a new species of damselfly in Thailand’s Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the area’s rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
The new species, named “Prodasineura sangkhla,” was announced at a press conference held at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) on December 27. The discovery was made through a collaborative effort between Thai researchers and scientists from Vietnam’s Duy Tan University.
The damselfly was found near the Thai-Myanmar border at Takeanthong Waterfall in the Western Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi province. The species name “sangkhla” pays tribute to the Sangkhlaburi district where it was discovered, reflecting the area’s cultural diversity and natural heritage. The term “sangkhla” has roots in both Thai and Burmese languages, meaning “diversity” or “integration.”
Distinctive Features
The new species can be distinguished by several unique characteristics:
- Males display white thorax and abdomen with blue-colored tail end and appendages
- Females feature a distinctive horn-like structure on the prothorax and unique white markings on the vertex and pronotum
The discovery marks the fourth Prodasineura species found in the area, joining the existing roster of P. autumnalis, P. laidlawii, and Prodasineura sp. Thailand is now home to six known species within this genus.
Ecological Significance
Veera Khunchaiyarak, Deputy Director-General of DNP, emphasized the ecological importance of the discovery. “Damselflies serve as predators controlling small insect populations and are excellent indicators of stream quality. This discovery reflects the healthy state of our natural ecosystems,” he stated.
The Department has implemented comprehensive conservation measures in the sanctuary, including:
- Regular forest patrols to prevent encroachment and illegal activities
- Support for biodiversity research
- Promotion of sustainable eco-tourism
- Community engagement in conservation efforts
“This discovery is a result of successful collaboration between DNP researchers and international partners,” Veera added. “It not only contributes to our scientific knowledge but also strengthens our commitment to long-term conservation of these vital ecosystems.”
The finding underscores the importance of preserving Thailand’s protected areas and their unique biodiversity, while promoting sustainable coexistence between local communities and natural habitats.
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