New dragonfly species discovered in Kerala

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KANNUR, july 21, 2025

A new species of dragonfly, Lyriothemis abrahami, which was previously misidentified as Lyriothemis flava due to superficial similarities, has been officially documented after over a decade of painstaking fieldwork, larval rearing and scientific review by researchers from the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), the Zoological Survey of India, Pala Alphonsa College, and the Institute of Tropical Research, Ecology and Conservation.

The discovery, published in the journal Entomon, after five rigorous rounds of peer review, marks a major milestone in dragonfly taxonomy in India and underscores the ecological significance of the Western Ghats. The discovery honours Abraham Samuel, a pioneer in odonatology.

Kalesh Sadasivan, director, TNHS, said that the first clues emerged in May 2013 during a trek by researchers, including him, TNHS director Jayakumar K., the late Kiran C.G. and K. Baiju, in the forests of Thenmala. A dragonfly guarding a tree hole caught their attention due to its distinct features.

He said despite photographic evidence and parallel observation in Thattekkad and north Kerala, the team refrained from publishing their findings out of respect for simultaneous efforts by other researchers. A single specimen collected then was left with the late Kiran, whose death led to the loss of the initial sample.

Mr. Sadasivan said between 2013 and 2025 the species was spotted only four times in Ponmudi, Kallar, Neyyar and the Peppara wildlife sanctuary. “The rarity of sighting cast doubt on the distinctness of the species,” he said.

He said a breakthrough came in 2022 when field ecologist Jebin Jose located larvae in a tree hole, enabling the team to begin rearing the species at a homestead under controlled conditions. However, lab-reared adults failed to display mature colouration required for taxonomic description, Mr. Sadasivan said. The final success came in 2025 when four mature adults were collected, one from the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur and three from Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said the species bred in small water pools in tree holes and exhibits strong dimorphism, with males featuring uniquely shaped hamules and female displaying jet black bodies with yellow triangular spots. Its distribution spanned from lowland rainforests to mid-elevation evergreen and deciduous forests between 50 m and 1,100 m above sea level.

The finding increased Kerala’s odonate species count to 191, including 78 endemic species, said Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair, co-author, emphasising the Western Ghats’ global biodiversity significance.

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Rare Great Hornbill sighting sparks hope for biodiversity

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KANNUR, july 9, 2025

In a rare and remarkable sighting, the Malamuzhakki Vezhambal (Great Hornbill), Kerala’s State bird, was spotted in the coastal belt of Kakkampara, near Ezhimala in Kannur, an area far from its usual forested habitats.

The bird was first observed perched on a fig-laden Ficus exasperata tree on May 24 and later flew towards the Ezhimala Naval Academy’s forecasted campus.

Birdwatchers Manoj Karingamathil, P. Jameela and Abhinav Jeevan, a student of the Forestry department in Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, confirmed the sighting and said the bird spotted was a male.The hornbill remained in the area for about two weeks, foraging from fruit-bearing trees and occasionally flying to neighbouring regions, said Mr. Manoj.

He said the bird was first noticed by Abhinav’s relatives, who without knowing the rarity of the bird sighting, used its photos asWhatsAppstatus. When the photos came to the notice of Abhinav, he immediately informed us,said Mr. Manoj.

Habitats

Typically found in Kerala’s evergreen and moist deciduous forests such as the Silent Valley, Nelliampathy, Athirappilly, Aralam and Parambikulam, the Hornbill is rarely seen in coastal areas, he said, adding that its unexpected presence is hailed as an ecological indicator.

There were very few reports of the birds being sighted near forest regions of the Aralam and Karimbam farms. However, there is no public documentation, he claimed.

Ramanthali grama panchayat president V. Shyma said the sighting is significant proof that the region remains a biodiversity hotspot despite human habitation. “This reflects the ecological richness of the area,” she said.

Sneha Subhash, head of the Department of Forestry, Sir Syed College, emphasised the need for further studies on the Great Hornbil’s movement to coastal hills. “Such occurrences near the sea are unusual and point to the broader ecological value of the region,“ she said.

Conservation calls

Listed as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Great Hornbill’s appearance in Ezhimala has sparked both excitement and renewed calls for conservation efforts in the area.

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Fungus threat to endangered Western Ghats tree

 

MINI MURINGATHERI, 

THRISSUR, The Hindu

Scientists have sounded the alarm on a newly detected fungal disease attacking Dipterocarpus bourdillonii, a critically endangered tree endemic to the Western Ghats.

The phytopathogen, Corynespora cassiicola, a highly aggressive fungus, is known to infect more than 530 plant species.

The findings of Shambhu Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head, Forest Pathology Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, along with Raghvendra Singh, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, have been published in the June 17th edition of Mycosphere journal.

Serious concerns

This marks the first recorded instance of the pathogen affecting D. bourdillonii, raising serious conservation concerns. The fungus was identified based on morpho-cultural characteristics and molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Detection of the emerging leaf spot and blight disease highlights the urgent need for disease surveillance and integrated conservation strategies to protect one of Western Ghats’ most vulnerable rainforest trees. “Dipterocarpus bourdillonii (family: Dipterocarpaceae) is a critically endangered tree species listed on the IUCN Red List. Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, it plays a vital ecological role in maintaining rainforest canopy structure and supporting biodiversity.

Economically, its hardwood is valued for construction and furniture, while its oleoresin (wood oil) has traditional medicinal and industrial uses. The emergence of this additional biotic threat underscores the urgent need for conservation measures,” Mr. Kumar said. The investigation using morpho-molecular tools is of significant importance.

Molecular identification ensures accurate pathogen detection, overcoming the limitations of morphology-based methods and facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring.

This study is crucial for understanding the disease’s epidemiology, guiding effective disease management strategies, and safeguarding this threatened species.

Additionally, it contributes to forest health surveillance and supports both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, Mr. Kumar pointed out.

Corynespora cassiicola is a widespread phytopathogen causing leaf spots, target spots, and blight diseases in a wide range of plant species, including economically important crops such as rubber, soybean, tomato, cucumber, cotton, besides medicinal and ornamental plants.

Humid climates

It thrives in warm, humid climates and spreads through conidia (spores produced by fungi) via wind, water, and human activity.

The pathogen impairs photosynthesis, leading to defoliation, reduced yield, and plant death in severe cases.

Management of the pathogen involves the use of resistant cultivars, cultural practices (e.g., proper spacing and removal of infected parts), and fungicides such as mancozeb and azoxystrobin.

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Uncertainty over land rights on forest fringe settlements

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KOTTAYAM, june 12, 2025

Interventions at the highest levels notwithstanding, the dark cloud of uncertainty that is hovering over families living along the fringes of the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary refuses to part — in the absence of a definitive solution regarding their land rights.

Acting on the State Wildlife Board’s recommendation to redraw the boundaries of the PTR and the bird sanctuary, a committee constituted by the National Board for Wildlife visited Pampavalley and Thattekkadu villages in April this year. Based on these visits, the committee recommended that the State government formulate and implement appropriate guidelines and an action plan in alignment with the Zonal Master Plan mandated for Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) ‘‘to promote sustainable development practices’’ in the Thattekkadu and Pampavalley settlement areas.

The proposal also requires the State to transfer 502 hectares of forestland from the Goodrical range in Pathanamthitta to the PTR to compensate for the exclusion of Pampavalley. Similarly, 1,016.94 hectares from the Neriamangalam range under the Munnar forest division must be transferred to offset the reduction in the Thattekkadu sanctuary.

Having accepted the inspection team’s recommendations, the National Board for Wildlife has deferred a final decision until the State government submits the necessary guidelines, action plan and details of the compensatory land to be included in the reserve. While the board has expressed concern that the excluded areas may be vulnerable to future encroachments without clear guidelines, residents fear that any new guidelines may end up imposing further forest regulations on their land.

“We are apprehensive about the proposed recommendations, especially the action plan to be drawn up by the Forest department. Even if the land is technically excluded from forest limits, ESZ restrictions could still apply. What we want is the freedom to exercise our rights over our land,” said Fr. Mathew Nirappel, vicar of St. Thomas Church, Kanamala.

Bureaucratic delays

Sijumon Francis, general secretary of the Farmers Awareness Revival Movement (FARM), which leads the protests in Thattekkadu, has urged the State government to step in and ensure that the redrawing of boundaries doesn’t get entangled in bureaucratic delays.

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Seed balls to heal forests and prevent wildlife conflicts

 

SARATH BABU GEORGE, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, may 19,2025

The Forest department is set to roll out an innovative ecological restoration initiative using ‘seed balls’, made from a mix of native plant seeds, soil, compost, cow dung and natural fungicides like turmeric.

Designed to germinate wherever they land, these eco-friendly capsules (vitthundas, in local parlance) offer a low-cost solution to reviving degraded landscapes. Beyond reforestation, the effort aims at mitigating human-wildlife conflict by enriching natural food sources within forest areas, thereby reducing the incentive for wild animals to venture into human habitats.

Focus on native species

The ambitious initiative ‘Vitthoot’, which will be conducted from June 15 to August 15, has been integrated into the department’s comprehensive Mission Food, Fodder and Water project which aims to enhance wildlife habitats by ensuring water and food availability in forests. It will focus on local species such as bamboo and fruit-bearing trees like Syzygium cumini (jamun), Ficus genus (figs) and jackfruits, which are vital food sources for wildlife.

“Seed balls are usually employed in remote and inaccessible areas, including deserts and regions hit by fires or invasive species,” an official said. “This method has never been implemented before in Kerala, where we traditionally plant saplings as part of afforestation drives.”

The seed ball programme will focus on degraded forests, exposed hilltops, abandoned plantations, weed-infested areas, fire-burnt and landslide-hit zones and dam catchment areas.

Sites identified

The department has identified specific regions, with each forest section considered as a unit for planting. For every identified site, which can range from 10 cents to 3 hectares, approximately 2,000 seed balls will be planted per acre. At least five identified locations will be covered each day during the two-month-long project.

Collaborative efforts

The initative will be carried out in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Research Institute, which is overseeing training in seed ball preparation. It will also see wide community involvement with Kudumbashree, Haritha Karma Sena workers, Eco-Development Committee and Vana Samrakshana Samithi members, NCC and SPC cadets, and local schools and colleges playing active roles in the preparation and distribution of the seed balls.

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A Centre-State ‘rice deal’ that secured the shelter of Nilgiri tahrs in Munnar

 

SANDEEP VELLARAM, 

IDUKKI, the hindu, april 1 2025

Fifty years ago, the Eravikulam National Park (ENP), the pristine habitat of the Nilgiri tahr in Munnar, was almost lost to land redistribution. But an unusual backroom deal, sealed over wagons of rice, changed its fate forever.

On March 31, the park celebrated the golden jubilee of its declaration as the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary. It was after a silent movement by a group of people that Eravikulam was declared a protected area. The sanctuary was created in 1975 to protect the Nilgiri tahr and it was named ENP in 1978.

According to records, around 1975, the government decided to give land to landless people. But the then Kanan Devan Hills Plantations managers J.C. Godsbery, Samar Singh and K.N. Chenkappa intervened and called Union government Secretary M.K. Ranjith Sinh to Munnar. After the visit, Mr. Sinh submitted a report to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In his book A Life with Wildlife – From Princely India to Present, Mr. Sinh said, “Indira Gandhi wrote a letter to the then Kerala Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon requesting him to declare the area a national park. The matter, however, was in limbo, with the State government remaining indecisive for fear of a political fallout.”

The book further describes how a rice deal resulted in the declaration of the park. “Minister of State for Food Anna Shaheb Shinde temporarily assumed additional responsibility for the portfolio of Forests and Wildlife. One day, he asked me if any forest-related issues were pending in Kerala and told me that Kerala Minister Baby John was arriving for a meeting. I told him about the Eravikulam issue and he asked me to join the meeting,” said the book.

40 wagons of rice

“During the meeting, Baby John informed him about the shortage of rice in Kerala and sought 40 rail wagons of rice. With a disarming smile, Shinde offered 25 wagons of rice and enquired about the national park declaration. Baby John, returning the smile, said that the State was actively considering the declaration... In the end, 36 wagons of rice were agreed upon in exchange for the protection of the sanctuary... Today, this exchange resembles a fanciful tale. But it did happen,” narrated the book.

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Two new species of jumping spiders discovered

 

SARATH BABU GEORGE, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, March 3, 2025

A collaborative research involving the University of Kerala has reported the discovery of two new species of jumping spiders belonging to the genus Epidelaxia from the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. This marks the first time the genus has been recorded from India, extending its known range from Sri Lanka to other parts of the subcontinent.

The research team behind the find includes Asima A. and G. Prasad from the Department of Zoology of the University of Kerala; John T.D. Caleb from Saveetha Medical College & Hospitals, Chennai; and Mathew M.J. from the Centre for Arachnology Research at Bharata Mata College, Kochi.

Their work, published in the February 2025 issue of Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed journal, has not only added two new species to the region’s checklist, but has also shed light on the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The two new species, Epidelaxia falciformis sp. nov. and Epidelaxia palustris sp. nov., were discovered during field expeditions to Kulathupuzha in Kollam in December 2022 and April 2023.

Striking features

These are distinctively characterised by their striking physical features, which include a prominent yellow triangular-shaped mark on the prosoma (the front part of the body) of females and unique traits of the copulatory organs in both males and females. Males of E. falciformis have a brown carapace with a yellow-brown stripe, while males of E. palustris feature a pale brown band along the side of their bodies. The females exhibit similar colouration, with the added feature of white orbital setae around their eyes.

The researchers add that the species vary slightly in size, with E. falciformis measuring 4.39 mm. E. palustris measures 4.57 mm in males and 3.69 mm in females. These spiders have been described as highly adapted to their environment, inhabiting the dense foliage of the Western Ghats. The genus was previously considered endemic to Sri Lanka.

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