Meet insect that inspired choppers

Ahmedabad: They may look fragile but they can fly across seas and their wonderful aerodynamics has inspired the helicopter. David Raju, an award-winning naturalist with the Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh, introduced students and enthusiasts to the fascinating world of odonates - dragonflies and damselflies - at a workshop conducted at Sundarvan on Sunday.

"Several groups are documenting the species and their habitat across India today because of the odonates' place in the ecosystem," Raju said. "On the basis of the presence of the species, you can tell how clean the water is." Moreover, they keep the mosquito population in control by feeding on their larvae, he said. "Unfortunately, human activities are already shrinking natural water bodies," he said.

Raju said that only a few studies have been undertaken in Gujarat on odonates and a larger study could reveal species present in the state and their connection with the local ecology. One such study has been initiated by a PhD student on Nal Sarovar, said Raju. An exhibition of photos taken by Raju will also be held this week, said Sundarvan officials.