Why in news?
Researchers recently discovered the waxcap fungus Hygrocybe pellucida in Telangana’s Kawal Tiger Reserve. This marks the first time the species has been recorded in the state, extending its known distribution into southern India. The discovery underscores the importance of preserving undisturbed forest habitats for fungal diversity.
Background
Hygrocybe fungi, commonly called waxcaps, are known for their bright, waxy fruiting bodies. Hygrocybe pellucida was formally described from Kerala in 2024 and belongs to a genus that includes around 350 species worldwide. These fungi typically grow on mossy or grassy soils in humid forests. The sighting in Kawal Tiger Reserve suggests that pockets of undisturbed forest in the Deccan highlands support rich, undocumented fungal life.
Kawal Tiger Reserve – key facts
- Location: The reserve lies in the north‑eastern part of Telangana (old Adilabad district) along the banks of the Godavari and Kadam rivers. It borders Maharashtra to the west and forms part of the Deccan Peninsula–Central Highlands landscape.
- Creation: Originally a wildlife sanctuary, Kawal was notified as a Tiger Reserve in 2012. It covers about 2015 sq km, with a core area of around 893 sq km.
- Vegetation: The landscape comprises southern tropical dry deciduous forest, dominated by teak and bamboo. It receives about 1,000 mm of annual rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 6 °C in winter to over 47 °C in summer.
- Biodiversity: Home to 673 plant species, 310 bird species and 68 mammals, the reserve supports animals such as tigers, leopards, Indian gaur, sambar deer, nilgai, chousingha (four‑horned antelope) and sloth bears.
- Ecological importance: As the catchment for the Godavari and Kadam rivers, Kawal sustains downstream communities and agriculture. Protecting its forests helps conserve soil and water while providing corridors for wildlife movement.
Significance of the discovery
The presence of Hygrocybe pellucida in Kawal Tiger Reserve indicates that the area harbours unique microhabitats supporting rare fungal species. Such discoveries highlight the need for continued biodiversity surveys and conservation of lesser‑known organisms. Protecting fungal diversity is vital for ecosystem health because fungi play key roles in nutrient cycling and symbiotic relationships with plants.
Source: IE · Kawal Tiger Reserve official website