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Megamalai Sanctuary: A Hidden Biodiversity Hotspot
16 Mar
Summary
- Nine new species discovered in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Sanctuary hosts a significant number of endemic species.
- Megamalai is part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.
A recent faunal survey conducted by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) between 2018 and 2022 has led to the discovery of nine new species within the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. This significant finding underscores the sanctuary's importance as a major biodiversity hotspot in the southern Western Ghats. The survey documented a total of 977 species, including 511 vertebrates and 466 invertebrates.
Among the newly identified species are a jumping spider, two mayflies, and a damselfly endemic to the Megamalai-Periyar landscape. The sanctuary also revealed new species of bark lice and cockroaches. Furthermore, the findings highlight the region's high endemism, with approximately 82% of recorded land snail species and 43% of reptile species being native to the Western Ghats.
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, now part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve established in 2021, spans 1,016 square kilometers. It provides a vital refuge for numerous globally threatened species and acts as a critical indicator of environmental health due to species like damselflies and amphibians reflecting habitat stability. ZSI is continuing similar biodiversity studies in other protected areas across Tamil Nadu.
