Data and R scripts from: Assemblage reorganisation of South African dragonflies due to climate change

Aim: Climate change is expected to cause large shifts in species assemblages such as dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata). Here we assess the influence of environmental drivers of turnover on Odonata assemblages. Secondly, we map the predicted spatial variation in species composition, first as a gradient of assemblage similarity, and then as discrete bioregions delineating major areas of odonate endemism. Finally, we map the magnitude of expected change in species turnover in response to climate change under two emission scenarios.

Location: South Africa

Methods: We used a spatial database comprising of 164 species of odonates and 20 covariates, to explore changes in compositional turnover using generalised dissimilarity models. Bioregions were compiled through various clustering techniques.

Results: Present-day odonate bioregions correspond to climatic zones and are clearly separated by transitional zones with rapid spatial turnover. Present odonate bioregions are pr...