Agasthyamalai Bambootail: New damselfly species discovered in Western Ghats

Agasthyamalai Bambootail

In an new discovery, scientists have identified a new species of damselfly in the Western Ghats of Kerala, named the "Agasthyamalai Bambootail" (Melanoneura agasthyamalaica). This unique species was found in Manjadininnavila, near the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district, by a team that included researchers from MIT World Peace University, Pune, and Christ College, Kerala.

The discovery marks only the second known species in the genus Melanoneura, joining the Malabar Bambootail (Melanoneura bilineata), which is found in the Coorg-Wayanad region. The Agasthyamalai Bambootail is visually distinguished by its long black body adorned with vivid blue markings and a bamboo-like cylindrical abdomen. Genetic studies show that it differs significantly from its cousin species, with over 7% variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-I gene, indicating a distinct evolutionary lineage. The structural differences in its prothorax, anal appendages, and secondary genitalia further set it apart.

The lead researcher, Vivek Chandran of Christ College, Kerala, emphasized the importance of this find, as it showcases the diverse and often hidden biodiversity within the Agasthyamalai landscape of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot. “The discovery emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Western Ghats, especially for species with restricted ranges like the Agasthyamalai Bambootail,” said Chandran.

Dr. Pankaj Koparde from MIT World Peace University echoed this sentiment, stressing that conservation efforts must extend beyond protected forest areas. This damselfly was first observed in streams flowing into the Karamana River within the Aryanad Grama Panchayat, highlighting the crucial role that non-reserve ecosystems play in sustaining biodiversity. Other sightings in the Ponmudi Hills and Bonacaud suggest the species may be endemic to the Agasthyamalai region.

The Agasthyamalai Bambootail’s discovery underscores the critical role of non-reserve ecosystems in preserving biodiversity. As Dr. Koparde noted, “Conservation must encompass broader landscapes, not just protected boundaries, to safeguard species dependent on these unique ecosystems.”

This discovery not only enriches India’s biodiversity records but also underscores the need for heightened conservation efforts in fragile regions like the Western Ghats, where new species continue to reveal the ecological significance of these habitats.