biodiversity research

Marine science researchers from Berhampur University have discovered a new shrimp-like species, Elasmopus arjyaensis, from Arjyapalli, Odisha. This marks the 126th species in its genus globally and the first for Odisha, highlighting the region's rich marine biodiversity. The discovery, published in Marine Biodiversity, emphasizes the need for further study of marine amphipods along Indian coasts.

A long-recognized single species of Himalayan pit viper has been revealed to be five distinct species through an international study. Utilizing "integrative taxonomy," researchers combined genetic, morphological, and geographical data, including historical museum specimens, to identify three previously unknown lineages. This discovery highlights the ongoing potential for uncovering hidden biodiversity in remote mountain regions.

Venezuela's Canaima National Park offers a journey to a land time forgot, with towering tepuis inspiring 'The Lost World' and 'Up'. These isolated table-top mountains harbor unique ecosystems, acting as living laboratories for evolution. Below, vast savannas teem with giants like jaguars and harpy eagles, while Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall, provides a breathtaking spectacle.

Indian botanists have rediscovered Vaccinium piliferum, a rare wild relative of the blueberry, in Arunachal Pradesh after 188 years. Found in Vijoynagar's dense forests, this endangered species' reappearance is a significant conservation milestone. The discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity and the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems.