By Sujit Chakraborty Shillong/Agartala : , Scientists have just discovered a new species of micro snails in Meghalaya.They are currently conducting a study of molluscs across northeast as part of a mega project funded under the Department of Biotechnology.
Scientists Nipu Kumar das and N.A.Aravind and Nipu Kumar Das, both scientists from Bengaluru’s Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, (ATREE) recently discovered a new species of micro snails.They were found in a limestone cave at Mawsmai village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills region.
“We named this species after the limestone cave.Our Georissa mawsmaiensis species is different from Georissa Sarrita, which is the closest congener (meaning others members of the same genera).
Its shell morphology starts from shell size variation to the appearance of four very prominent spiralstriations on the body whorls.This is in contrast to seven in Georissa Sarrita,” Das explained to IANS.
He stated that the team compared the morphological characteristics of the collected snails to the moist limestone rocks, which are 4-5 metres inside the cave entrance.
“But, at the moment, we don’t know if our species is a cave species.
Additional extensive surveys could reveal more interesting facts about the species’ natural history and true distribution patterns.
ATREE, a Bengaluru-based research institute on biodiversity conservation and sustainable growth, claims that the micro snail species was discovered 170 year after the last one.
There are many caves in the northeastern states of Meghalaya and Mizoram.
Although there is not yet a thorough study of the fauna and flora found in these caves, the Geological Survey of India has identified some geological sites in northeast India for the promotion of geo-tourism.
Assam resident Das said that the cave is a unique environment that can support unique faunal diversity.
He said that there are many studies on cave biodiversity in Southeast Asian countries and other parts, which report various animals, including snails.
However, very few studies are done from Indian caves.
“The limestone caves are rich in calcium minerals, which provide a suitable habitat for shell-bearing snails.
These caves are sensitive to changes in the environment resulting from human activities (mining, cavetourism, etc.).He said that climate change, mining, and other activities can have negative effects on cave-dwelling animals.”
Das stated that the Mawsmai Cave in Meghalaya is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.Some changes were made to improve the aesthetics, such as artificial lighting and a cemented floor and steps.
Scientists believe that these anthropogenic changes and high tourist influx could pose a threat for this micro snail species as well as other cave biodiversities.
“To date, only five species of snails have been identified from Meghalayan caves.There may be many more.Despite the existence of many limestone caves in Meghalaya there have been very few studies on snails from these caves.”We need more studies to understand the unique ecosystems of snails in these cave ecosystems,” Das stated.
He stated that scientists have redescribed Acmella Tersa, a micro snail species, from the Mawsmai cave of Meghalaya using newly-collected specimens in order to provide better diagnostic characteristics for Acmella.
Acmella Tersa is the type species in the genus Acmella.
Therefore, Acmella’s description is based on this species.
He said, “Further we have also assessed its conservation status and classified it as Critically Endangered(CR) B1 or B2 according to IUCN criteria.”
Das stated that they will be conducting a survey of molluscs in the northeast region starting in 2018, as part of a mega project funded under the Department of Biotechnology.The study will be completed next year.
“Bioresources & Sustainable Livelihoods In Northeast India” is an initiative to strengthen science and sustainable development in northeast India.
This multi-institutional, multiinvestigator research program is funded by the Department of Biotechnology.
It is coordinated by ATREE and Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, in partnership with 12 northeastern institutions.
One of the most important and threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world is the Himalayan mountain range, which covers large parts of northeast India.
Experts believe that the region was a center of evolutionary novelty and has thousands of species not found anywhere else on Earth.
The northeast region also houses hundreds of indigenous ethnic communities with their associated languages, cultures, and languages.
Millions of people in this country rely on ecosystem services and bioresources to sustain their livelihoods.These resources and their enhancement will be vital in this age of global climate change.
28 percent of the approximately 50 million people living in the northeast region are tribals.They are traditional reliant on the forest, environment, and their resources.
Sujit Chakraborty may be reached at [email protected]
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