The Andros Research Center, as the next step in its ongoing Andros Springs initiative and the Participatory Observatory, sought to establish a collaboration with the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory (BCL) (https://bc.lab.uoi.gr/en/) of the Department of Biological Applications and Technologies at the University of Ioannina, led by Professor Vassiliki Kati.
The aim of this collaboration is to document and assess the biodiversity of Andros as it occurs around the island’s springs and surface freshwater habitats.
As part of the partnership, it was agreed that two university students would conduct a 12-day field survey on Andros from late June to early July. Their work focuses on recording diurnal Lepidoptera (butterflies) and Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies).
The two researchers have been on Andros since 29 June. With the support of members of our team and the scientific staff of the BCL, they have already made a number of valuable observations at sampling sites around springs and havouzes (traditional water reservoirs), building on the spring inventory and mapping carried out over the past three years by our organization as part of the Andros Springs project.
Butterfly Survey
Butterfly surveys are conducted using either 15-minute point counts (P) or random observations (R). Point counts involve actively searching for and recording butterfly species for a period of 15 minutes within a 50-metre radius of the observer.
Butterflies are captured only when necessary to ensure reliable species identification, using a butterfly net provided by the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory (BCL). Species are identified in the field using a field guide, while uncertain records are verified through photographic documentation. At least one documentary photograph is taken for each species, following the guidelines of the Apollo National Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.
The geographic coordinates of all observations are recorded using the Locus Map application in the WGS84 coordinate reference system.
In parallel, efforts will be made to establish a permanent butterfly monitoring transect following the protocol of the Apollo National Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. If successfully established, the transect will be surveyed annually, creating a long-term dataset on the butterflies of Andros that will enable the assessment of population trends over time.
Odonata Survey
Sampling of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) during the survey is carried out using three complementary methods, with the primary objective of collecting presence–absence data. Researchers conduct point-based surveys of adult individuals and, in order to confirm whether species are breeding at each spring, they also search for exuviae (shed larval skins) and collect larvae from the sediment where they develop.
Adult Odonata are surveyed using 15-minute point counts (P). Each point count consists of actively searching for and recording species for 15 minutes within a 50-metre radius of the observer. Species are identified either through photographic documentation or, where necessary, by temporarily capturing individuals using an insect net provided by the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory (BCL). All individuals are released immediately after handling. Species identification is carried out either in the field using a field guide or subsequently from photographic records. The geographic coordinates of all observations are recorded using a GPS application in the WGS84 coordinate reference system.
Larval sampling is conducted using a small hand-held sieve (approximately 15–30 cm in diameter). During sampling, the sieve is placed on the selected substrate and moved actively across its surface to collect sediment together with aquatic macroinvertebrates, including Odonata larvae. The collected material is then examined, and once identified, the larvae are carefully returned to their original habitat. If field identification is not possible, selected specimens are collected for detailed laboratory examination using a stereomicroscope and specialized identification keys.
The collection of Odonata exuviae is a widely used method for surveying and monitoring this group of aquatic insects in both running and standing freshwater ecosystems. Exuviae are searched for along the riparian zone surrounding each sampling site. Species identification will be carried out ex situ at the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory using a stereomicroscope and specialized identification guides.
Existing Knowledge
The current checklist of butterfly species recorded on Andros includes 30 species and is based on the geospatial database maintained by the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory (BCL). Among these, Zerynthia polyxena and Hipparchia senthes are of particular conservation interest, as both are protected under Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981. In addition, Zerynthia polyxena is protected under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), where it is listed in Annex IV.
The current checklist of Odonata on Andros comprises 24 species and is based on published scientific literature as well as observations submitted through the iNaturalist citizen science platform. Of particular interest is Cordulegaster buchholzi, a species endemic to southern Greece, with its core distribution centred on the Cycladic islands of Andros, Tinos, and Naxos.
First Findings
Examples from the first field surveys can be seen in the photographs above, together with the scientific names of the recorded species. A comprehensive report presenting the survey results will be published following the completion of the students’ fieldwork.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere thanks to Anna Vrettou for her generous support in providing vehicle rental for the students’ fieldwork.
We also warmly thank the team from the University of Ioannina, and especially Professor Vassiliki Kati, for their collaboration and support. This partnership is only just beginning, and we are confident it will make a significant contribution to the study and conservation of Andros’ rich biodiversity in the years to come.
