In a remarkable discovery of biodiversity, India’s northeast has unveiled a trove of zoological discoveries, showcasing the rich tapestry of life in the region. Researchers Stefan Naumann and Peter Smetacek revealed 11 new emperor moth species, with the Mishmi moon moth and Shan moon moth adding a touch of celestial wonder to Arunachal Pradesh and northern Myanmar.
Northeast India’s Biodiversity Brilliance
Not to be outdone, the Namdapha region in Arunachal Pradesh proudly introduced Alcalus fontinalis, a frog with dainty toes and textured skin. Abhijit Das and his team from the Wildlife Institute of India unveiled this newfound amphibian, previously unknown in India, residing near the babbling brooks of Namdapha. Arunachal Pradesh continued its natural symphony with the discovery of Alycaeus himalayae, a snail unique to the Himalayas. Neelavar Ananthram Aravind and his team from the SM Sehgal Foundation Centre uncovered this rare gem, distinguishing it from its counterparts in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Peninsular Malaysia.
Venturing to Sikkim, another surprise awaited with the report of Cycloryx pemaledai, a new species of snail. Meanwhile, Mizoram proudly introduced 19 scarab beetle species to the scientific spotlight. Devanshu Gupta and team from the Zoological Survey of India and Kalyani University delved into a treasure trove of specimens collected between 1993 and 2019, highlighting the diverse beetle family, including dung beetles and plant-eating beetles. Crowning this zoological extravaganza was the discovery of Cyrtodactylus vairengtensis, a bent-toed gecko, paying homage to Mizoram’s Vairengte area. Published in the Zootaxa journal, this gecko represents the latest addition to the region’s impressive biodiversity.
India’s northeast emerges as a haven of discovery, with its diverse landscapes providing a home to newfound species, showcasing the region’s unique ecological charm and reaffirming its status as a hotspot for biodiversity enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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