Three New Centipede Species Discovered in the Western Ghats

Three New Centipede Species Discovered in Western Ghats

NEWS CONTENT ENGLISH

Why in the News?

• Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India’s Western Ghats Regional Centre and Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode, have discovered three new species of centipedes in the forests of Kerala and Karnataka.
• The species belong to the genus Rhysida.
• They have been named:
  • Rhysida quadrispinosa
  • Rhysida coorgensis
  • Rhysida neyyarensis
• With this discovery, the number of known Rhysida species in India has increased to 23.

How were the species identified?

• Identifying new centipede species can be difficult because closely related species may look almost identical.
• Researchers used microscopes and digital cameras to study small differences in their physical structures.
• They examined:
  • Leg spines
  • Body segments
  • Antennae
  • Other anatomical features
• Previously unidentified specimens preserved in the National Zoological Collection were also studied.
• The researchers compared their findings with existing scientific records and databases, including Chilobase 2.0.

Why were the species given these names?

• Rhysida quadrispinosa was named after the four distinctive spines found on part of its hind legs.
• Rhysida coorgensis was named after Coorg (Kodagu) in Karnataka, where the specimen was collected.
• Rhysida neyyarensis was named after Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, associated with the species.

Key identifying features

• R. quadrispinosa has 18 antennal segments, along with distinctive body edges and hind-leg spines.
• R. coorgensis is distinguished by markings on its back and the structure of its body spines.
• R. neyyarensis is identified by the number and arrangement of small spines on its legs.

Importance of the Discovery

• The Western Ghats are among the world’s major biodiversity hotspots.
• The region’s forests and favourable environmental conditions support a large variety of organisms, many of which remain poorly studied.
• Centipedes are predatory organisms that feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
• They therefore contribute to the food chain and soil ecosystem.
• Discovering new species improves scientific understanding of:
  • Biodiversity
  • Species evolution
  • Geographical distribution
  • Ecosystem functioning
• The discovery also highlights the need to protect forests and conserve even small and less-known organisms.

Western Ghats: Geography and Location

• The Western Ghats are a north-south mountain chain running along the western side of Peninsular India.
• They broadly extend through six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
• The range runs roughly parallel to the Arabian Sea coast and separates the western coastal plains from the interior Deccan Plateau.
• Length: Approximately 1,600 km.
• The mountains generally lie 30–50 km inland from the western coast.
• The western slopes are generally steeper, while the eastern slopes gradually merge with the Deccan Plateau.
• The Western Ghats are generally higher and more continuous than the Eastern Ghats.
• The Palghat Gap is a major break in the mountain chain.
• The Ghats act as an important watershed for several rivers of Peninsular India.
• Western Ghats include the Sahyadri, Nilgiri, Anaimalai, Cardamom, Agasthyamalai and Kudremukh hills, with Anamudi (2,695 m) as their highest peak.

Biodiversity Hotspots

• A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high concentration of endemic species that is also facing serious threats to its natural habitat.
• The concept was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 and later developed further by Conservation International.
• According to the criteria given in the source, a hotspot must:
  • Have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species.
  • Have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.
  • Contain significant species richness and endemism.
  • Face threats such as deforestation, habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, urbanisation and pollution.
  • Require urgent conservation measures.

Biodiversity Hotspots in India

• India is among the 17 megadiverse countries of the world.
• India is associated with four biodiversity hotspots:
  • Himalaya
  • Indo-Burma
  • Western Ghats-Sri Lanka
  • Sundaland

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is India's leading institution for research and documentation of animal diversity.
• It was established on 1 July 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata.
• Its work includes:
  • Surveying animal diversity.
  • Identifying and classifying species.
  • Documenting India's fauna.
  • Conducting biodiversity research.
  • Supporting conservation planning.
• The foundation of ZSI can be traced to the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta, established in 1875.
• ZSI maintains the National Zoological Collection and plays an important role in documenting India's animal diversity.
• Its work is particularly important because India is a megadiverse country with several biodiversity hotspots.
• ZSI also contributes to biodiversity assessment, species identification, conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

Major ZSI Publications

• Fauna of India Series: Provides information on the taxonomy, distribution and biology of Indian animal groups.
• Fauna of States and Conservation Areas: Provides regional information on fauna found in states, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other conservation areas.
• Red Data Book on Indian Animals: Provides information on threatened and endangered animal species, including their distribution and conservation status.
• Animal Discoveries Reports: Record newly discovered species and new animal records from different parts of India.
• Faunal Survey: A Methodology: Provides methods and guidelines for conducting faunal surveys and biodiversity assessments.

Practice Question 

Q. With reference to the Western Ghats, biodiversity hotspots and the Zoological Survey of India, consider the following statements:

1. The Palghat Gap is a major break in the Western Ghats mountain chain. 
2. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988. 
3. India is associated with four biodiversity hotspots, namely the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka and Sundaland. 
4. The Zoological Survey of India is headquartered in Mumbai and was established in 1875.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Correct Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation

• The Palghat Gap is a major break in the Western Ghats mountain chain. Hence, Statement 1 is Correct.
• The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 and was later developed further by Conservation International. Hence, Statement 2 is Correct.
• India is associated with four biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka and Sundaland. Hence, Statement 3 is Correct.
• The Zoological Survey of India was established on 1 July 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata, not Mumbai; 1875 refers to the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum. Hence, Statement 4 is Incorrect.