A new Helluodes Westwood species from Western Ghats with notes on habitat, distribution and phylogenetic relationships of genera Helluodes Westwood and Physocrotaphus Parry of the tribe Physocrotaphini Chaudoir (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: Anthiinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1745 (1) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS K. SABU ◽  
PRABHAKAR ABHITHA ◽  
DANYANG ZHAO
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Indian Plate ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Southwest India ◽  
Southwest Region ◽  
The Western Ghats

Description of Helluodes devagiriensis, n.sp. from western slopes of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hot spot in southwest India, is provided along with redescriptions of all species of Helluodes Westwood and Physocrotaphus Parry (H. taprobanae Westwood, H. westwoodi Chaudoir, Physocrotaphus ceylonicus Parry), keys to the genera of tribe Physocrotaphini and the species of genus Helluodes, notes on a curious sexually dimorphic character of species in the tribe and on termitophilous and geophilous habits of genus Helluodes, a discussion of the geographic distribution and phylogenetic relationships of the genera, and supportive evidence for the divergence of Physocrotaphini Chaudoir from Zuphiini Bonelli. Based on distributional patterns and phylogenetic relationships, (1) origin of the tribe in the southwest region of the Greater Indian Plate is hypothesized with Helluodes as basal stock; (2) Helluodes is endemic to the Western GhatsSri Lanka global hot spot of biodiversity; (3) Physocrotaphus is endemic to the globally outstanding montane evergreen forest ecoregion of Sri Lanka; (4) Pogonoglossus Chaudoir is a derivative of the Helluodes ancestral stock that dispersed into southeast Asia and beyond before Deccan trap formation; and (5) Physocrotaphus is a later derivative of the Helluodes stock after the separation of Sri Lanka from the Indian mainland.

A new Luprops species from Western Ghats with redescriptions and identification key to the species of Indian Peninsula and Sri Lanka (Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae: Lupropini)

Zootaxa ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 1636 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS K. SABU ◽  
OTTÓ MERKL ◽  
PRABHAKAR ABHITHA
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Indian Peninsula ◽  
South Indian ◽  
Southwest India ◽  
Indian State

Description of Luprops devagiriensis, sp. n. from montane evergreen forest (shola) in the southern region of Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hot spot in southwest India is given along with first report of L. rugosissimus Kaszab, 1980 outside Sri Lanka and redescriptions of L. tristis (Fabricius, 1801), L. curticollis Fairmaire, 1896 and L. gracilior Fairmaire, 1896. Notes on the habits of L. tristis Fabricius, a nuisance pest in residential buildings in the rubber belts of the south Indian state of Kerala and an identification key to the species from Indian Peninsula and Sri Lanka are provided.

Bombardier beetles of genus Brachinus Weber, 1801 (Carabidae: Brachininae: Brachinini) from India

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4816 (4) ◽  
pp. 576-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.V. AKHIL ◽  
M. DIVYA ◽  
K. THOMAS SABU
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Southwest India ◽  
The Western Ghats

Brachinus devagiriensis sp. nov. is described from the Western Ghats, a global hot spot of biodiversity in southwest India. Detailed diagnostic features of the 27 species of Indian Brachinus with a key to the species are provided. 

Recurrent landslides in Southern Western Ghats, India: A changing environmental perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asokan Laila Achu ◽  
Girish Gopinath
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Monsoon Period ◽  
Extreme Rainfall Events ◽  
South West ◽  
South West Monsoon ◽  
West Monsoon ◽  
The Western Ghats

<p>The Western Ghats (WG), an elevated passive continental margin along the southwestern coast of India, is the most widely populated biodiversity hot spot in the world. Monsoon climate is prevalent throughout the length of the Western Ghats. The WG region is prone to the occurrence of various hydro-climatic disasters such as extreme rainfall-driven floods and landslides. During the past 100 years, landslides and floods caused by extreme rainfall events in the WG have occurred in 1924 and 1979; but the most disastrous event, in terms of area of impact, loss of life and economic impact, occurred in August 2018. Generally, the south-west monsoon (Indian summer monsoon) occurs in the first week of June and extends up to September and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted above-normal rainfall of 13% during the month of August 2018. But the State received an excess of 96% during the period from 1st to 30th August 2018, and 33% during the entire monsoon period till the end of August. The unprecedented heavy rains, storms, floods and associated thousands of landslides have caused exorbitant losses including 400 life losses, over 2.20 lakh people were displaced, and 20000 homes and 80 dams were damaged or destructed. This study aimed to elucidate the reasons behind the thousands of landslides caused in WG using observed and field evidences. Changes in south-west monsoon pattern and rainfall intensity played a vital role in the occurrence of landslides in WG. Further, the extensive causalities are the result of anthropogenic disturbances including landscape alterations and improper landuse practices in the hilly tracks of WG. The major causative factors for series of landslides in various segments of WG is due to hindrance of lower order streams/springs, vertical cutting, intensive quarrying, unscientific rain pits & man-made structures together with erratic rainfall triggered major and minor landslides in various segments of WG. The present investigation concludes that a scientific landuse policy and geoscientific awareness is essential to mitigate the environment.</p>

scholarly journals Functional screening of β-Glucanase Producing Actinomycetes Strains from Western Ghats ecosystems of Kerala, India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lekshmi K. Edison ◽  
N. S. Pradeep
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Functional Screening ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Beta Glucanase ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Soil Actinomycetes ◽  
Ecological Habitats ◽  
The Western Ghats

AbstractScreening of potential soil actinomycetes is static at infant phase because less than one part of soil biodiversity has been explored. An important factor considered before isolating microorganisms with potential application is understanding the biodiversity and environmental features associated with growth. Search of distinctive enzymes from unusual ecological habitats are highly fascinating and have great opportunities that may also pointed the developments in high throughput screening programs. In the present study Western Ghats hot spot regions of Kerala has been explored for the actinomycetes strains with beta glucanase activity. A total of 127 actinomycetes strains were isolated. After qualitative primary screening 106 strains (83%) produced exo-β-1,4-glucanase enzyme and 79 strains (62%) produced endo-β-1,3-glucanase enzyme. The quantitative secondary screening confirmed the strains TBG-MR17 and TBG-AL13 recognised as respective dominant producers of exo-β-1,4-glucanase and endo-β-1,3-glucanase enzymes. The study reveals the richness of the Western Ghats soils with innumerable actinomycetes having potential β-glucanase activities.

Clonal propagation through stem cuttings and air layering in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston an endemic tree Species of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-87
Author(s):  
Abdul Hussain ◽  
C. Anilkumar
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Clonal Propagation ◽  
Stem Cuttings ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Ideal Tool ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

Rooting trials conducted with stem cuttings and air layering in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston, an important medicinal and fruit plant gave promising results after treatment with auxins such as IAA, IBA and NAA in different concentrations. Both stem cuttings and air layering from 10 year old plants have resulted a maximum rooting of 80% and 70% respectively through the application of IBA-1000ppm, in their natural habitats. The plants developed from stem cuttings and air layering was also survived with 90% success. Thus the standardized clonal propagation method in S. caryophyllatum through stem cutting and air layering reported for the first time can be taken as an ideal tool for the multiplication and subsequent resource base utilization of the species since the populations are prone to endangerment in its habitats.

Discovery of the genus Strangulotilla Nonveiller, 1979 (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae) in India and description of a new species from the Western Ghats

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5057 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
JOSHUA B. TERINE ◽  
ARKADY S. LELEJ ◽  
GIRISH P. KUMAR
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Oriental Region ◽  
The Western Ghats ◽  
A New Species

The Afrotropical genus Strangulotilla Nonveiller, 1979, which was recorded only from Sri Lanka in the Oriental Region, is newly reported from India with the description of a new species Strangulotilla sureshani sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Differences between the new species and the closely related S. krombeini Lelej, 2005 as well as a key to the Oriental species of Strangulotilla are given.  

The pholcid spiders of Sri Lanka (Araneae: Pholcidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4550 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
BERNHARD A. HUBER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspot ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Southwestern Part ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Western Ghats

As part of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka harbors a rich and diverse fauna, especially in the perhumid southwestern part of the island. However, many invertebrate groups such as spiders continue to be poorly studied. The present paper reviews our knowledge about Pholcidae, a family of spiders that is well represented in Sri Lanka, both by numerous (10) introduced species and by a rich native fauna in five genera (described native Sri Lankan species in parentheses): Belisana Thorell, 1898 (6), Leptopholcus Simon, 1893 (1), Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 (4), Tissahamia Huber, 2018 (4), and Wanniyala Huber & Benjamin, 2005 (9). Fourteen species are newly described: Belisana minneriya sp. n., B. badulla sp. n., B. gowindahela sp. n.; Pholcus metta sp. n., P. puranappui sp. n., P. uva sp. n.; Tissahamia karuna sp. n.; Wanniyala mudita sp. n., W. orientalis sp. n., W. upekkha sp. n., W. ohiya sp. n., W. viharekele sp. n., W. mapalena sp. n., and W. labugama sp. n.. All new species are described from males and females. New Sri Lankan records are given for 16 previously described species. Distribution data suggest that most or all of the 24 native species might be endemic to Sri Lanka, but the Indian pholcid fauna remains almost entirely unknown. 

The first Indian record of Pogonatum marginatum Mitt. (Polytrichaceae) from the Western Ghats

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALVERT EBENEZER DULIP DANIELS ◽  
KOCHUMANI CHINNAPILLA KARIYAPPA ◽  
JAAKKO HYVONEN ◽  
NEIL BELL
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Photographic Plate ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
First Record ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Chloroplast Gene ◽  
Gene Sequences ◽  
The Western Ghats

Pogonatum marginatum has been previously known from Sri Lanka and Vietnam. It was recently collected in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats (Kerala and Tamil Nadu), this being the first record of the plant in India. We provide a detailed description of the species with figures and a photographic plate, plus novel chloroplast gene sequences of the Indian plant, another specimen of the same species, and a close relative.

Two novel genera and one new species of treefrog (Anura: Rhacophoridae) highlight cryptic diversity in the Western Ghats of India

Zootaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 3640 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBIN KURIAN ABRAHAM ◽  
R. ALEXANDER PYRON ◽  
ANSIL B. R. ◽  
ARUN ZACHARIAH ◽  
ANIL ZACHARIAH
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Reproductive Mode ◽  
Restricted Area ◽  
Western Ghats Of India ◽  
The Family ◽  
Rapid Pace ◽  
One New Species ◽  
The Western Ghats

Amphibian diversity in the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot is extremely high, especially for such a geo-graphically restricted area. Frogs in particular dominate these assemblages, and the family Rhacophoridae is chief among these, with hundreds of endemic species. These taxa continue to be described at a rapid pace, and several groups have recently been found to represent unique evolutionary clades at the genus level. Here, we report DNA sequences, larval and breeding data for two species of rhacophorid treefrog (Polypedates bijui and a new, hitherto undescribed species). Re-markably, they represent unique, independent clades which form successive sister groups to the Pseudophilautus (Sri Lan-ka) + Raorchestes (India, China & Indochina) clades. We place these species into two new genera (Beddomixalus gen. nov. and Mercurana gen. nov.). Both of these genera exhibit a distinct reproductive mode among Rhacophoridae of pen-insular India and Sri Lanka, with explosive breeding and semiterrestrial, unprotected, non-pigmented eggs oviposited in seasonal swamp pools, which hatch into exotrophic, free-living aquatic tadpoles. Relationships and representation of re-productive modes in sister taxa within the larger clade into which these novel genera are placed, is also discussed. These results suggest that more undescribed taxa may remain to be discovered in South Asia, and the crucial importance of con-serving remaining viable habitats.

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