Rediscovery of the endemic and threatened Jewel Damselfly Rhinocypha togeanensis van Tol & Günther, 2018 (Insecta: Odonata: Chlorocyphidae) in Indonesia, with notes on its habitat loss and the urgent need for conservation action

Rhinocypha togeanensis van Tol & Günther, 2018 (Insecta: Odonata: Chlorocyphidae) is a damselfly species endemic to Batudaka Island, Togean Archipelago, Indonesia. Since its discovery over 25 years ago, no further records of its presence have been made. This study documents its rediscovery, current distribution, and the state of the habitat of R. togeanensis in Sungai Tanimpo. Surveys were conducted at 12 sites, and several environmental parameters were recorded at each locality. A total of 18 individuals were observed along its type locality, Sungai Tanimpo, where the habitat comprised primary forest along the riverbank. Numerous perches were available, such as foliage and small twigs. This species prefers the stream’s upper reaches in the forested area with lower air temperatures and good illumination. Since no individuals were found at the exact type locality of this species, the preliminary impression was that R. togeanensis has experienced habitat reduction due to deforestation and other human activity, suggesting that urgent conservation measures are needed to preserve this endangered species. According to current knowledge, it is one of the endangered damselfly species in the world.