Western Ghats Of Peninsular India Research Articles

A new species of Asian gracile skink (Scincidae: Lygosominae: emSubdoluseps/em) from the rain-shadow belts of Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats, India.

We describe a new species of Asian gracile skink from the dry leeward slopes of the Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu state, India which forms a part of the eastern, rain shadow escarpment of the Western Ghats in peninsular India. The new species, Subdoluseps nilgiriensis sp. nov., is characterized by: slender, small-sized body (47-67 mm); sandy brown above, with each scale tipped with black; a thick black lateral band from snout to tail; a distinct white labial streak; dirty white venter, with throat having mild black striations; 28-29 midbody scale rows; 71-74 mid ventral scales; 66-69 paravertebral scales. The new species is described based on external morphological characters, genetic data and geographical isolation. Based on two mitochondrial DNA genes, we show that the new species shares a sister relationship with Subdoluseps pruthi (Sharma, 1977) which is found in parts of the Eastern Ghats in peninsular India. The discovery of this new population raises two novel scenarios. Firstly, it renders the genus Subdoluseps evolutionarily polyphyletic with respect to the Indian species included in this genus. Secondly, it falsifies the notion that S. pruthi group skinks are restricted to the Eastern Ghats. Our results further indicate that the dry zone of peninsular India has unrealized skink diversity that needs to be further explored.

A new taxon of Nacaduba Moore, 1881 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatini) from Agasthyamalais of the Western Ghats, India

A new butterfly taxon, Nacaduba sinhala ramaswamii ssp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatini), is described from Agasthyamalais of southern Western Ghats in peninsular India. The new taxa can be diagnosed from all other Nacaduba of southern India and N. sinhala Ormiston, 1924 from Sri Lanka, by its distinct male genitalia. The early stages, larval hostplants, flight periods, ecology and the known distribution of the new taxa are discussed. The revised keys to all known Nacaduba of Western Ghats of peninsular India are provided.

An integrative approach to infer systematic relationships and define species groups in the shrub frog genus Raorchestes, with description of five new species from the Western Ghats, India.

The genus Raorchestes is a large radiation of Old World tree frogs for which the Western Ghats in Peninsular India is the major center for origin and diversification. Extensive studies on this group during the past two decades have resolved long-standing taxonomic confusions and uncovered several new species, resulting in a four-fold increase in the number of known Raorchestes frogs from this region. Our ongoing research has revealed another five new species in the genus, formally described as Raorchestes drutaahu sp. nov., Raorchestes kakkayamensis sp. nov., Raorchestes keirasabinae sp. nov., Raorchestes sanjappai sp. nov., and Raorchestes vellikkannan sp. nov., all from the State of Kerala in southern Western Ghats. Based on new collections, we also provide insights on the taxonomic identity of three previously known taxa. Furthermore, since attempts for an up-to-date comprehensive study of this taxonomically challenging genus using multiple integrative taxonomic approaches have been lacking, here we review the systematic affinities of all known Raorchestes species and define 16 species groups based on evidence from multi-gene (2,327 bp) phylogenetic analyses, several morphological characters (including eye colouration and pattern), and acoustic parameters (temporal and spectral properties, as well as calling height). The results of our study present novel insights to facilitate a better working taxonomy for this rather speciose and morphologically conserved radiation of shrub frogs. This will further enable proper field identification, provide momentum for multi-disciplinary studies, as well as assist conservation of one of the most colourful and acoustically diverse frog groups of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Diurnal and seasonal variability of CO2 and CH4 concentration in a semi-urban environment of western India

Amongst all the anthropogenically produced greenhouse gases (GHGs), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the most important, owing to their maximum contribution to the net radiative forcing of the Earth. India is undergoing rapid economic development, where fossil fuel emissions have increased drastically in the last three decades. Apart from the anthropogenic activities, the GHGs dynamics in India are governed by the biospheric process and monsoon circulation; however, these aspects are not well addressed yet. Towards this, we have measured CO2 and CH4 concentration at Sinhagad, located on the Western Ghats in peninsular India. The average concentrations of CO2 and CH4 observed during the study period are 406.05 ± 6.36 and 1.97 ± 0.07 ppm (µ ± 1σ), respectively. They also exhibit significant seasonal variabilities at this site. CH4 (CO2) attains its minimum concentration during monsoon (post-monsoon), whereas CO2 (CH4) reaches its maximum concentration during pre-monsoon (post-monsoon). CO2 poses significant diurnal variations in monsoon and post-monsoon. However, CH4 exhibits a dual-peak like pattern in pre-monsoon. The study suggests that the GHG dynamics in the western region of India are significantly influenced by monsoon circulation, especially during the summer season.

Adventitious Root Induction in Cinnamomum heyneanum and C. riparium: The Endemic Tree Species of Western Ghats

Cinnamomum heyneanum Nees and C. riparium Gamble (family Lauraceae) are the two wild riparian species of Cinnamomum endemic to Western Ghats of Peninsular India. Overexploitation along with the lack of efforts replenish the resources have urged the ex situ and in situ conservation of these species. The objective of the present study was to explore the possibility of vegetative propagation through branch cuttings and juvenile epicormic shoots in planting stock production of these species. The effect of cutting type, time of collection, auxin type and auxin concentration on adventitious rhizogenesis of branch cuttings and epicormic shoots were studied. Results indicated that all these factors significantly affected the rooting efficacy of cuttings. The branch cuttings of C. heyneanum recorded a maximum rooting of 69.0 ± 2.0% and that of C. riparium was 70.7 ± 7.4%. The highest percentage of rooting was obtained in semi-hardwood cuttings treated with IBA 7000 mg l−1collected during September–December. Meanwhile, the juvenile epicormic shoots under best treatment combination could produce rooting up to 94% in C. heyneanum and 93% in C. riparian. The highest sprouting and rooting were observed in the epicormic shoots produced in the cuttings collected during January to April treated with 5000 mg l−1 IBA. The present study reveals that both the Cinnamomum species are amenable to macro-propagation and a better sprouting and rooting response can be obtained by using juvenile epicormic shoots compared to branch cuttings.

Rediscovery of Martin’s Duskhawker Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) (Odonata: Aeshnidae) from Western Ghats, peninsular India, with notes on its current distribution and oviposition behavior

Rediscovery and recent distribution records of Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) (Odonata: Aeshnidae) from Western Ghats of peninsular India is discussed with notes on oviposition behavior. Although mentioned in odonate checklists of the region, there are no recent records or photographic evidence of the species from Western Ghats since its last report and collection by F.C. Fraser from Annamalai Hills in 1933.

A note on the current distribution of reedtail damselfly Protosticta rufostigma Kimmins, 1958 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from Western Ghats, and its addition to the odonate checklist of Kerala

The genus Protosticta (Odonata, Zygoptera, Platystictidae) is represented by nine species in the Western Ghats of peninsular India, of which seven are reported for the state of Kerala. Our recent records of Protosticta rufostigma Kimmins, 1958 from the Western Ghats of Kerala State is discussed, and despite a thorough literature search no collection records or photographs of the species has been found after the original description from Tamil Nadu. The species is, thus, added to the checklist of odonates of Kerala State. The description of the live insect, its ecology, status and distribution is discussed.

Two additional new species of Clypeocaenis Soldán, 1978 (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India.

Two new mayfly species of Clypeocaenis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) are described based on nymphal and adult characters from Kaveri River, Kodagu, Karnataka, Southern India. The main characteristics that distinguish Clypeocaenis kaveri sp. nov. from other Oriental species are: (i) fore femur with 4 long spines at middle of inner margin, a row of bifid spines at outer margin and row of bifid spines at subapical surface; (ii) dorsal surface of femora with complete transverse row of bifid setae located 3/4 distance from the base; (iii) forceps smaller than penis lobe. The main characteristics that distinguish Clypeocaenis napoklu sp. nov. from other Oriental species are: (i) fore femur with 2 long spines at middle of inner margin and row of thin setae on outer margin; segment 2 with bifid spine at apex.(ii) dorsal surface of femora with incomplete transverse row of bifid setae located 2/3 distance from the base; (iii) forceps little longer than penis lobe. A key for the nymphs of described species has been provided.

Inorganic Ionic Composition of Rainwater at a High Altitude Station over the Western Ghats in Peninsular India

This study investigates chemical composition of rainwater (RW) and its contribution from different sources collected over the period of two years (2016 and 2017) at a high altitude location (1380 m above mean sea level) located at Mahabaleshwar situated in the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. The volume weighted mean pH of RW was found to vary between 4.57 and 7.51 (average 5.95) indicating overall alkaline nature of the RW. Prominent ionic species in the RW were Ca2+ (25%), Na+ (19%), Cl−(23%), SO42− (10%), and Mg2+ (9%) with NH4+, NO3− and K+ together forming about 8% of ionic composition. Moreover, ample presence of dust source (Ca2+) was found that acted as a major neutraliser to the acidic ions. The order of Neutralisation Factor of ions was Ca2+ > Mg2+ > NH4+. In addition, a strong correlation between Na+ and Cl− (r ≈ 0.99) further suggested substantial supplement of marine (NaCl) component to the RW. The impact of local anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel/biomass burning was observed apart from some contribution from the long-range transport. The high contribution of non-sea salt fractions to Ca2+, SO42−, Mg2+ and K+ showed a substantial effect of crustal and continental air masses. Results of source apportionment for the RW composition by using the Positive Matrix Factorization technique indicated four factors i.e. Marine and long range transport (Na+, Cl−), crustal (Ca2+, Mg2+), emissions from the fossil fuel and biomass burning (NO3−, SO42−) and the agriculture/farming activities (NH4+).

Population dynamics of Hypselobarbus thomassi (Day 1874), an endemic cyprinid fish from a tropical reservoir of Southern Western Ghats, India

AbstractThe Western Ghats of peninsular India is a highly sensitive and threatened ecoregion of exceptional freshwater ichthyodiversity. The present study investigated the growth, mortality and stock characteristics of Hypselobarbus thomassi, an endemic cyprinid fish from the Parappar Reservoir of Western Ghats, on the basis of the length‐frequency data collected during the period from 2009 to 2011. The growth parameters of this species were estimated using the FiSAT program, and the asymptotic length (L∞) and growth constant (K) being 476.79 mm and 0.39 year−1, respectively. The age at zero length (t0) was calculated as −0.0485 year−1. The longevity (tmax) and growth performance index (ϕ) were reported as 7.69 years and 2.95. The estimated total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 1.65, 0.38 and 1.27 year−1, respectively. The relative yield per recruit (Y/R) analysis revealed the exploitation rate (E) at different levels as E0.1 = 0.36, E0.5 = 0.28 and Emax = 0.42. The current exploration level (0.77) is higher than the optimum exploitation rate (Emax = 0.42), indicating an overexploitation of the H. thomassi population. Accordingly, needed management measures should include restrictions on fishing gear mesh sizes, reduced fishing effort and declaration of closed seasons and sanctuaries to protect this threatened species.

A new Indian species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 closely related to R. sanguineus Beddome, 1863 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae).

A new species of the uropeltid (shieldtail snake) genus Rhinophis is described based on a type series of seven specimens from the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats of peninsular India. The holotype was collected before 1880 but had been misidentified as the phenotypically similar and parapatric (possibly partly sympatric) R. sanguineus. Rhinophis karinthandani sp. nov. is diagnosed by a combination of 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody, 4-8 pairs of subcaudal scales, colour pattern (uniformly dark above, whitish below with extensive dark mottling), and by its distinct mitochondrial DNA sequences (e.g. 7.6% uncorrected p-distance for nd4). Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence data indicates that the new species is most closely related to R. sanguineus among currently recognised species, with this pair most closely related to the partly sympatric R. melanoleucus. The new species description brings the number of currently recognised species in the genus to 24, six of which are endemic to India and 18 endemic to Sri Lanka. A new key to the identification of Indian species of Rhinophis is provided.

Determining levels of cryptic diversity within the endemic frog genera, Indirana and Walkerana, of the Western Ghats, India.

A large number of species in the tropics are awaiting discovery, many due to their cryptic morphology ie. lack of discernable morphological difference. We explored the presence of cryptic lineages within the frog genera, Indirana and Walkerana, which are endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. By reconstructing a phylogeny using 5 genes and robust geographic sampling, we delimited 19 lineages along a population—species continuum, using multiple criteria including haplotype clusters, genetic distance, morphological distinctness, and geographical separation. Of these 19 lineages, 14 belonged to the genus Indirana and 5 to the genus Walkerana. Divergence dating analyses revealed that the clade comprising Indirana and Walkerana began diversifying around 71 mya and the most recent common ancestor of Indirana and Walkerana split around 43 mya. We tested for the presence of cryptic lineages by examining the relationship between genetic and morphological divergence among related pairs within a pool of 15 lineages. The pairs showed strong morphological conservatism across varying levels of genetic divergence. Our results highlight the prevalence of morphologically cryptic lineages in these ancient endemic clades of the Western Ghats. This emphasizes the significance of other axes, such as geography, in species delimitation. With increasing threats to amphibian habitats, it is imperative that cryptic lineages are identified so that appropriate conservation measures can be implemented.

A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from theWayanad region of peninsular India.

A new species of the shieldtail snake genus Rhinophis is described based on a type series of seven recently collected specimens from the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats of peninsular India. Rhinophis melanoleucus sp. nov. is diagnosed based on a combination of 15 dorsal scale rows at (or just behind) midbody, more than 215 ventral scales and a long rostral. The new species also has a distinctive (mostly black and white) colouration. A new key to the identification of Indian species of Rhinophis is provided.

A deeply divergent lineage of Walkerana (Anura: Ranixalidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India.

The frog family Ranixalidae is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India and contains two genera, Indirana and Walkerana. The three known species of Walkerana are restricted to different hill ranges south of the Palghat Gap, an ancient valley in the Western Ghats. In this study, we report the discovery of a deeply divergent lineage of Walkerana from the high elevations of the Elivalmalai hill range. This finding extends the geographic range of the Walkerana clade to the north of the Palghat Gap. The new species Walkerana muduga sp. nov. is genetically and morphologically divergent, and geographically isolated from its sister lineages. We also recovered a potential new lineage in the adjoining hill ranges suggesting the presence of additional new species in this genus north of the Palghat Gap.

Kulikovskiyia gen. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) from the lateritic rock pools of the Western Ghats, India and from Hainan Province, China

ABSTRACTA new triundulate naviculoid diatom genus is described from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India and Hainan Province, China. The new taxon, Kulikovskiyia gen. nov. has robust conical spines along its margin and at the apices and the external valve face has longitudinally‐oriented siliceous slat system extending the length of the valve. The external distal raphe ends bifurcate and terminates on the valve face. There appear to be superficial similarities between this Asian genus and species and Playaensis, a genus comprised of two species found only in the western USA. The systematic position of Kulikovskiyia is discussed, and other than noting its similarities to other biraphid naviculoid diatoms due to symmetry features and the position of the raphe, we are uncertain about its systematic placement at finer levels of classification.

Discovery of a deeply divergent new lineage of vine snake (Colubridae: Ahaetuliinae: Proahaetulla gen. nov.) from the southern Western Ghats of Peninsular India with a revised key for Ahaetuliinae.

The Western Ghats are well known as a biodiversity hotspot, but the full extent of its snake diversity is yet to be uncovered. Here, we describe a new genus and species of vine snake Proahaetulla antiqua gen. et sp. nov., from the Agasthyamalai hills in the southern Western Ghats. It was found to be a member of the Ahaetuliinae clade, which currently comprises the arboreal snake genera Ahaetulla, Dryophiops, Dendrelaphis and Chrysopelea, distributed in South and Southeast Asia. Proahaetulla shows a sister relationship with all currently known taxa belonging to the genus Ahaetulla, and shares ancestry with Dryophiops. In addition to its phylogenetic position and significant genetic divergence, this new taxon is also different in morphology from members of Ahaetuliinae in a combination of characters, having 12–13 partially serrated keels on the dorsal scale rows, 20 maxillary teeth and 3 postocular scales. Divergence dating reveals that the new genus is ancient, dating back to the Mid-Oligocene, and is one of the oldest persisting monotypic lineages of snakes in the Western Ghats. This discovery adds to the growing list of ancient lineages endemic to the Agasthyamalai hills and underscores the biogeographic significance of this isolated massif in the southern Western Ghats.

Micromitrium vazhanicum (Micromitriaceae; Bryophyta) a new species from the Western Ghats of India

Micromitrium vazhanicum sp. nov. (Micomitriacecae), related to M. tenerum and M. austinii, is described from the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary of the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. It is a tiny moss that grows in temporary ponds and moist muddy soil of the Moist Deciduous Forest of the Sanctuary. The minute leafy plants are barely identifiable in the field and grow in patches resembling filamentous green algal colonies. It is characterized by highly dome-shaped papillate persistent calyptra, spinose young spores and large mature spores (40–50 µm in diameter). The species is known to grow in highly unstable and undervalued habitats such as temporary ponds, which underscores the need for its conservation.

New microhylid frog genus from Peninsular India with Southeast Asian affinity suggests multiple Cenozoic biotic exchanges between India and Eurasia

Anurans in Peninsular India exhibit close biogeographical links with Gondwana as well as Laurasia, often explainable by the geological history of the Indian subcontinent; its breakup from Gondwanan landmasses followed by long isolation that resulted in diversification of endemic lineages, and subsequent land connections with Asia that enabled dispersal of widespread groups. Although widely distributed, the frog subfamily Microhylinae mostly comprises of geographically restricted genera found either in Southeast and East Asia or Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Here we report a previously unknown microhylid from the Western Ghats in Peninsular India with closest relatives found over 2,000 km away in Southeast Asia. Based on integrated evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, adult and tadpole morphology, hand musculature, male advertisement call, and geographical distance, we recognize this enigmatic frog as a distinct new species and genus endemic to the Western Ghats. The discovery of Mysticellus franki gen. et sp. nov. and its close evolutionary relationship with the Southeast Asian genus Micryletta also provide insights on the biogeography of Microhylinae. Genus-level divergences within the subfamily suggest multiple Cenozoic biotic exchange events between India and Eurasia, particularly through postulated Eocene land bridges via Southeast Asia prior to accretion of the two landmasses.

A new subfamily of fossorial colubroid snakes from the Western Ghats of peninsular India

ABSTRACTWe report molecular phylogenetic and dating analyses of snakes that include new mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data for three species of the peninsular Indian endemic Xylophis. The results provide the first molecular genetic test of and support for the monophyly of Xylophis. Our phylogenetic results support the findings of a previous, taxonomically restricted phylogenomic analysis of ultraconserved nuclear sequences in recovering the fossorial Xylophis as the sister taxon of a clade comprising all three recognised extant genera of the molluscivoran and typically arboreal pareids. The split between Xylophis and ‘pareids’ is estimated to have occurred on a similar timescale to that between most (sub)families of extant snakes. Based on phylogenetic relationships, depth of molecular genetic and estimated temporal divergence, and on the external morphological and ecological distinctiveness of the two lineages, we classify Xylophis in a newly erected subfamily (Xylophiinae subfam. nov.) within Pareidae.urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:43BDE72C-6823-4D6A-8601-482862556D78urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AD3486DF-D874-4CFD-8EAE-14FF3E403AF9

Leucas dhonimalayensis(Lamiaceae), A New Species from Peninsular India

Leucas dhonimalayensis Sunojk. & K.P. Vimal (Lamiaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Dhoni Hills of the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. It is placed in sect. Astrodon. The morphological characters that distinguish it from the most similar species L. beddomei and L. hirta are given. Information on the distribution and habitat ecology of L. dhonimalayensis is also provided.