Nine New Species Uncovered in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary Faunal Survey
In a significant ecological discovery, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has identified nine new species during a comprehensive faunal survey at the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The findings, based on extensive field surveys conducted from 2018 to 2022, underscore the sanctuary's critical role as a biodiversity hotspot in the southern Western Ghats.
Rich Biodiversity Documented
K A Subramanian, officer-in-charge of ZSI's southern regional centre in Chennai, reported that the study documented an impressive 977 species across 21 distinct faunal groups. This includes 511 vertebrate species, comprising 286 birds, 97 reptiles, 77 mammals, 36 amphibians, and 15 fish species. Additionally, 466 invertebrate species were recorded, encompassing butterflies, spiders, land snails, and aquatic insects.
The sanctuary's ecological significance is further highlighted by its high levels of endemism. For instance, nearly 82% of the 69 land snail species recorded are endemic to the Western Ghats, while 43 of the 97 reptile species are regionally endemic, including the Megamalai rock gecko (Hemidactylus vanam).
New Species Discoveries
Among the most notable outcomes of the survey is the identification of nine new species from lesser-known invertebrate groups. These include:
- A jumping spider named Stenaelurillus megamalai
- Two mayfly species: Edmundsula meghamalaiensis
- A damselfly, Thraulus vellimalaiensis - Protosticta sholai, which is endemic to the Megamalai–Periyar landscape
- New species of bark lice and cockroaches, such as Allacta vellimalai and Lachesilla vellimalai
Subramanian emphasized that these discoveries are particularly significant as they shed light on the diversity of often-overlooked invertebrate groups, which play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning.
Conservation and Ecological Importance
The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning approximately 1,016 square kilometers, forms part of the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve, notified in 2021. It protects a mosaic of ecosystems, ranging from montane shola forests and grasslands to tropical wet evergreen forests, providing a refuge for numerous endemic and threatened species.
The landscape supports several globally threatened species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Historically recorded critically endangered species include Griet's Bush Frog and the elusive Malabar Civet, though the latter has not been reported in recent decades. Many of the documented species, such as mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and amphibians, serve as bio-indicators, reflecting water quality and habitat stability, which are vital for conservation monitoring.
Ongoing Research Efforts
ZSI scientists have indicated that similar faunal diversity studies are currently underway in other protected landscapes across Tamil Nadu. These include the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Such initiatives aim to enhance our understanding of regional biodiversity and inform conservation strategies to protect these ecologically sensitive areas.
This survey not only adds to the scientific knowledge of India's natural heritage but also reinforces the importance of preserving the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for future generations.
