UNLV Env. Studies

Undergraduate Abstract

Erin Jolley
May 2006

Odonates at the Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Preserve: A Look at Habitat and Relative Abundance

A Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction
 of the requirement for the degree of

 Bachelor of Science/Arts

 In

Department of Environmental Studies
 University of Nevada Las Vegas

By

Erin Jolley

May 2006

Content Advisor: 
Krystyna A. Stave, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Environmental Studies
Krystyna.Stave@unlv.edu

Class Advisor:
Timothy J. Farnham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, UNLV
Timothy.Farnham@UNLV.edu

ENV 499 A & B

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to identify the various species, relative abundance and habitat of dragonfly and damselfly larvae at the Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Preserve (WPNP).  An accurate assessment of these insects can be useful in interpreting potential indications of environmental problems at the Wetlands.  From this data, necessary improvements can be made to the dragonfly habitat as well as the habitat of other surrounding organisms.  Habitat identification is considered especially important because it is “structured by instream and surrounding topographical features, and is a major determinant of aquatic community potential” (Southwood, 1977).  For purposes of this study I will not be interpreting the potential problems indicated at WPNP, but rather providing a foundation for others to do so.  Determining what kinds of species and their relative abundance will be useful as baseline information and monitoring of any changes in environmental quality in the future.