 |
| Paragomphus alami Salah, Baleela, Ahmed, Isam, Abdalla, Masri & Elfaki, 2025 |
Abstract
Sudan’s unique biogeographic position at the Afrotropical-Palearctic interface, coupled with the ecological gradient of the Nile River, fosters a diverse odonate fauna. Despite this, the genus Paragomphus Cowley, 1934 remains understudied in the region. This study describes Paragomphus alami sp. nov., a new species of Paragomphus from the White Nile floodplain in Sudan, based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence. Field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2022 documented adult populations across the Sudanese floodplains. Specimens were morphologically analysed using microscopy compared to congeners P. lacustris Karsch, 1890 and P. elpidius Ris, 1921. DNA barcoding (COI gene) was performed on two specimens, with maximum-likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction using 28 sequences of Paragomphus and related species in addition to an outgroup. Mean interspecific genetic distance was computed manually. Morphological comparisons with congeners revealed unique diagnostic traits in P. alami sp. nov., including short, thick cerci ending with a black tooth, and an epiproct that is noticeably shorter than those of P. lacustris and P. elpidius. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. alami forms a well-supported monophyletic clade (bootstrap value = 100%), which is corroborated by morphological evidence, and no observed intraspecific variation, which supports the recognition of this species as distinct; this was further supported by the mean interspecific distance of 12.34%. This discovery highlights Sudan’s role as a biogeographic crossroads and the need for further research of Odonata in the region. Habitat sensitivity highlights conservation urgency. The species seasonal emergence, habitat specificity, and sensitivity to deforestation underscore its conservation importance.
Key words: Biodiversity, COI barcoding, conservation, floodplain, Khartoum
 |
| Paragomphus alami sp. nov. A. Male holotype (SNHM 1.582) from Jebel Aulia, Khartoum State, Sudan, collected 23 August 2019; B. Mature life male observed and photographed in the wild in Al-Sunt Forest, Khartoum State, Sudan, photographed 4 July 2022. |
 |
| Comparison of female coloration and stripe patterns in Paragomphus species. A. P. elpidius; B. Paragomphus alami sp. nov. Note the small foliations on abdominal segments 8 and 9 in P. elpidius, which are absent in P. alami sp. nov. Note also that the thoracic stripes in P. alami sp. nov. are fine and poorly defined, while in P. elpidius they are sharp, bold, and well defined. Also, the pterostigma is yellowish green in P. alami sp. nov., while it is brown in P. elpidius. Photo credits: (A) John Wilkinson, (B) Mohamed Salah. |
Paragomphus alami sp. nov.
Etymology: The species is named in honour of the late Sudanese scientist Dr Tigani Mohammed Hassan Alam, whose lifelong dedication to documenting and safeguarding Sudan’s wildlife left a profound impact on conservation efforts across the country. Although his contributions were not formally recorded in the academic literature, his influence endures through the generations of Sudanese youth he inspired to appreciate and protect the nation’s natural heritage.
Mohamed Salah, Rania Baleela, Esraa Yousif Ahmed, Babiker Isam, Almontasirbillah Abdalla, Mai Masri and Esra Elfaki. 2025. Paragomphus alami sp. nov. (Odonata, Gomphidae): A New Dragonfly Species described from the White Nile River, Sudan. ZooKeys. 1265: 159-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1265.168108 [30 Dec 2025]
