Congruence of detection probabilities and co-occurrence of threatened Afromontane damselflies with diverging functional traits (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae)

Karani, Anthony M., Kairu, Anne W., Githaiga, Michael N., Gichira, Andrew W. and Ng’iru, Ivy W. 2026. Congruence of detection probabilities and co-occurrence of threatened Afromontane damselflies with diverging functional traits (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae). Journal of Insect Conservation 30 , 16. 10.1007/s10841-026-00750-7

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Abstract

The biodiversity crisis is exceptionally severe in the freshwater systems of the highly threatened Afromontane region. We estimated abundance, occupancy and detection probabilities and studied functional traits of ecological significance for adults and larvae of Kenya Jewel (Platycypha amboniensis Martin, 1915) and Giant Sprite (Pseudagrion bicoerulans Martin, 1907) in Mount Kenya Forest. Our estimates of abundance were based on replicated counts, while occupancy and detection probabilities were estimated using a single-season, two-species occupancy formulation. We found that detection probabilities of one species were influenced by the detection probabilities of the other, but conversely, occupancy was not. This was supported by morphological traits, as the larvae of P. amboniensis are adapted to rocky and fast-flowing lotic streams, while P. bicoerulans is adapted to vegetated, littoral, and slow-moving reaches of the same streams. This means that, while these species have different adaptations, their co-occurrence depends on the heterogeneity of the microhabitats. We recommend implementation of ecosystem restoration approaches that will contribute to maintain habitat complexity and therefore increase the resilience of these co-occurring species to future environmental changes. Implications for conservation The occurrence of Kenya Jewel was not influenced by the occurrence of Giant Sprite, and there was neither competition nor niche overlap. This aligns with the differences in ecological adaptations based on the functional morphology of adults and larvae. This evidence is useful for restoration of the ecosystem to ensure that these species are conserved concurrently in their range of co-occurrence.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Publisher:	Springer Science and Business Media LLC
ISSN:	1366-638X
Date of Acceptance:	18 January 2026
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2026 12:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184546

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