Why in news?
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has reported the discovery of nine previously unknown species during faunal surveys in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. These findings underscore the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Background
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary lies along the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and serves as a buffer for the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary encompasses scrub forests at its foothills, dense evergreen forests and shola grasslands on higher slopes. In 2021 the area was combined with neighbouring forest blocks to form the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve. Between 2018 and 2022 ZSI scientists conducted extensive surveys across 21 faunal groups.
Survey findings
- The surveys recorded 977 species, including 511 vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes) and 466 invertebrates (insects, molluscs and others).
- Nine species new to science were described: a jumping spider, two mayfly species, a damselfly, two bark‑lice and three cockroaches. Many of these creatures are tiny and live in the leaf litter or streams of the evergreen forests.
- The sanctuary harbours a high proportion of endemic species. For example, around 82 percent of the 69 snail species recorded are found only in the Western Ghats.
Importance of Megamalai
- Megamalai’s mosaic of forests and grasslands supports elephants, tigers, leopards, Nilgiri tahr, gaurs, lion‑tailed macaques and numerous bird and butterfly species. The discovery of additional invertebrates reveals that many small creatures remain undocumented.
- By acting as a corridor between the Periyar Tiger Reserve and other protected areas in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary helps maintain genetic flow among wildlife populations.
- The new findings call attention to the need for habitat conservation, stringent control of encroachment and regulated tourism.
Conclusion
The ZSI surveys highlight Megamalai’s role as a biodiversity haven. Protecting this sanctuary will not only safeguard charismatic megafauna but also countless lesser‑known species that contribute to ecosystem health.
Source: The Times of India
