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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Alappuzha coast home to 417 macrofaunal species, finds study
A comprehensive study undertaken along the Alappuzha coast has recorded 417 species of macrofauna. The research documented four species of cnidaria (jellyfish), 44 species of crustacea (brachyuran crabs, hermit crabs, shrimps, mantis shrimps and lobsters), 185 species of mollusca, seven species of echinodermata, 135 species of fishes, five species of reptiles (turtles and sea snakes), 30 species of birds (shore and sea birds), and seven species of mammals (whales and dolphins). The findings of the study, conducted by Arun C. R., research scholar at Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, and A. Biju Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, have been published in the Zoological Survey of India journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Seahorse species The macrofaunal diversity of Alappuzha is dominated by mollusca (44%), fishes (32%) and crustacea (11%). The study has identified three species of seahorses- Hippocampus spinosissimus, Hippocampus trimaculatus and Hippocampus kuda- which are included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India. The vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtles nest on the beaches of the district, especially at Thottappally. Onboard surveys observed the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The shell of a vulnerable leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was found washed ashore during the survey. Among the mammals, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), an endangered species, was identified from video footage provided by fishers, while a Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) was identified from a specimen washed ashore on the Azheekkal beach. The research also documented the traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) of the region's marine biodiversity. This knowledge highlights the insights of Alappuzha's coastal fishers regarding marine resources, ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. The study notes that fishers observe peak fish populations, particularly among pelagic species, during the monsoon season (June to September). However, the abundance of shellfish (shrimps and crabs) and squids is notably higher from September to February. By fishers It also sheds light on fish identification practices used by fishers at sea. According to the study, small fish move in shoals, colloquially called 'Polappu' or 'Paadam' by fishermen. 'They identify shoal fish by their colour and behaviour. Shoals can be discerned by observing the water's surface. The size of the bubbles provides clues about the fish species present. For instance, a shoal with small bubbles typically indicates 'mathi' (oil sardines). Red colouration in the sea may suggest the presence of sardines, anchovies, or shrimps. If it is shrimp, they may leap over the water's surface. Black patches on the water may also indicate sardines. Species differentiation based on this knowledge may be scientifically explored in collaboration with fishers,' reads the study. The study titled Documentation of Macrofaunal Biodiversity of the Coastal Waters of Alappuzha District, Kerala, and Traditional Environmental Knowledge of Marine Fishers was conducted with the financial assistance of the University of Kerala. The study will soon be published as a coffee table book and a documentary on the marine life of Alappuzha is also in the making.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
New Regenerating Flatworm Species 'Dugesia Punensis' Discovered In Pune
A new species of planarian worm that regenerates has been found in the Pashan Lake in the western Indian city of Pune. Named Dugesia punensis after its place of discovery, the freshwater flatworm has been discovered by Mithila Chinchalkar, a PhD student at the Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Savitribai Phule Pune University) and her research guide, Dr Ravindra Kshirsagar. The study findings have been published in Records of the Zoological Survey of India and highlight that it is the first time since 1983 that a new planarian species has been recorded in India. Notably, planarians are aquatic flatworms, renowned for their extraordinary regenerative capabilities. "This study describes a new species discovered in Pashan Lake, Pune district, Maharashtra, a wetland within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Specimens were collected, cultured, and analysed using morphological and molecular phylogenetic methods," the paper highlighted. "The findings contribute to the taxonomy and phylogeny of Dugesia and highlight the ecological importance of Pashan Lake as a habitat for endemic species." The new species is characterised by its spotted appearance, slightly reduced auricles and elongated pharynx and gonopore. The body size ranges between 8mm-12mm in length. "The dorsal side is spotted dark brown in appearance, with a light brown back. The ventral side looks pale. Eggs are circular and have a reddish appearance. Auricular grooves enclose two bright black eyes," the study stated. The flatworm feeds on chicken liver, and despite starving for 15-20 days, it can completely regenerate in 10-13 days. Its morphology is also different, with the researchers stating Dugesia punensis was more delicate. Despite the findings, the scientists said more research was needed to further understand the new species and its functions. "Further studies need to be done on reproductive structures and gut histology of this new species. This study provides insight into the richness of Pashan Lake and a reason for conservation."
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Flatworm species that regenerates found in Pashan Lake
Pune: A PhD student and and her research guide from Modern College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Ganeshkhind, discovered a new species of planarian worm in Pashan Lake. According to PhD student Mithila Chinchalkar and her research guide Ravindra Kshirsagar from the department of zoology, this is the first time since 1983 that a new species of planarian was scientifically recorded in India. "This specimen was deposited at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). We named it Dugesia punensis to give credit to its place of discovery, in Pune," said Kshirsagar. The paper was published recently in Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Scientists explained that planarians are aquatic flatworms known for their regenerative capabilities. "Even if their body is cut into pieces, each piece can regenerate into a complete organism. Hence, they are very important in stem cell research also," said Kshirsagar. Chinchalkar described the discovery as fascinating. "We were screening the water bodies in and around Pune to study the aquatic biodiversity as a part of my PhD thesis." "We were doing this for the past three years. Planarian worms are found in stagnant water," said Chinchalkar. "The moment we saw this flatworm through the microscope, we knew it was something different. The regenerative potential of this worm is 14 days, compared to others whose regenerative span is about 18 days or more. The morphology is also different from others. It is more delicate than ones," said Chinchalkar, who wants to study stem cell characterisation. Kshirsagar says that they studied external morphology, anatomical features, and finally did the genomic sequencing to establish that the species was indeed new. "We sent the study paper with all the data a year ago, and finally it was published in the journal on June 1," said Kshirsagar. "Identifying this new species is important, as this is one of the best organisms to study stem cells and how regeneration occurs. From the field of medicine to organ regeneration, studying these species will help us understand the mechanism behind regeneration better," said Ravindra Kshirsagar.
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Odd-colored critter found at high school in India turns out to be ‘rare' sight
Outside a high school in eastern India, an odd-colored creature climbed around the trees and went about its day. Its unique appearance caught the attention of locals and, eventually, scientists — for good reason. It turned out to be 'relatively rare' and a first-of-its-kind sight for the area. Researchers visited Government Diakkawn High School in the state of Mizoram in late 2022 after locals reported seeing two 'Thehlei-vâr,' or 'white squirrels,' on the school grounds, according to a March 21 study in the peer-reviewed journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Sure enough, researchers spotted a group of squirrels eating fruit in the trees. Most of the squirrels had a dark brown coloring but one was bright white, the study said. Researchers identified the unusual animal as a hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel with leucism. Leucism occurs when an animal has 'almost complete loss of pigmentation' but still keeps its 'normal eye, nail, and skin colouration,' the study said. Leucism is sometimes confused with albinism, but the two conditions differ in eye color since albino animals have pink or red eyes. Photos show the leucistic hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel, which has a 'complete white colouration' and 'pinkish hue visible on the snout, ears, and feet.' Normally, hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrels, also known as Callosciurus pygerythrus or Irrawaddy squirrels, are brown with a paler belly and paler patches on their hips, the study said. Another photo shows what the species' usually looks like. 'The occurrence of leucism in small mammals is considered relatively rare,' researchers said. 'This observation contributes significantly to the body of knowledge on colour aberrations in (squirrels), particularly within a region where such phenomena have not been documented before.' Researchers observed the white squirrel over several months in 2022 and 2024, the study said. They concluded it was a female and, later on, noticed it 'could be lactating, indicating reproductive activity.' Study co-author Christopher Lawlor told McClatchy News in an April 21 email that the team is still looking for the second leucistic squirrel reported by locals. A video shared on YouTube by SSA shagun in 2020 shows Government Diakkawn High School in Mizoram, one of the easternmost states in India bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar. The research team included Lawlor, H. Lalthanzara and Lalrintluanga Hnamte.
