Dragonflies (Odonata) in Cocoa Growing Areas in the Atlantic Forest: Taxonomic Diversity and Relationships with Environmental and Spatial Variables

In the south of Bahia state, a large part native Atlantic Forest areas has been modified for cultivation cocoa (Theobroma cacao). These crops are cultivated under shade canopy trees, system locally known as “cabruca” agroforestry system. This study aimed to evaluate relationship Odonata assemblages (adults and larvae) in farming identify relationships these species with local spatial environmental variables monitored sites. Altogether, adult larvae were sampled at 22 Physical physicochemical water recorded each site. A total 1336 dragonflies collected, which 20 Zygoptera 30 Anisoptera representatives. The different life stages related such conductivity, watercourse channel width, dissolved oxygen. space predictors also associated assemblages, mainly adults. present identified that cabruca maintain great diversity dragonflies, including considered be forest specialists more sensitive landscape changes. characteristics this cropping favorable conservation biodiversity Forest.