Context:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently documented nine new species, including jumping spiders and damselflies, in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.
About Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, often called the High Wavy Mountains, is a protected forest landscape in Tamil Nadu. Since 2021, it has been a core component of the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR), India’s 51st Tiger Reserve.
Establishment
- The sanctuary became part of the tiger reserve after the SMTR notification in 2021.
- Its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) had earlier been notified in 2018.
Habitat and Ecosystems
Megamalai contains a mosaic of ecosystems, including:
- Montane Shola forests and high-altitude grasslands
- Tropical wet evergreen forests
- Tea and cardamom plantations interspersed with natural vegetation
This ecological diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna in the southern Western Ghats.
New Species Identified
During the ZSI survey, 977 species were recorded, including nine species new to science:
- Jumping Spider: Stenaelurillus megamalai
- Mayfly: Edmundsula meghamalaiensis
- Damselfly: Thraulus vellimalaiensis, Protosticta sholai (endemic)
- Bark Lice and Cockroaches: Allacta vellimalai, Lachesilla vellimalai
Other notable fauna include:
- Hemidactylus vanam
- Historical records of the Critically Endangered Malabar Civet.
