Discovery of Tilari Hairy Snail in Maharashtra
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The known distribution of the Lagocheilus snail genus in the Western Ghats was restricted to southern peninsular regions. NOW: The discovery extends the genus's known biogeographical range by 540 km northwards into Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
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BEFORE: The specific malacological (snail) biodiversity of the Tilari semi-evergreen forests was under-documented. NOW: The documentation of Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii establishes the conservation reserve as a crucial refuge for unique, microhabitat-specific invertebrates.
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BEFORE: The biological inventory of the Western Ghats lacked this specific endemic species. NOW: A brand new species with distinctive 'hairy' shell features has been formally classified in the Journal of Conchology, enriching India's taxonomic records.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the newly discovered Tilari hairy snail (Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii), consider the following statements: 1. It was discovered in the semi-evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. 2. Its discovery extends the known range of its genus significantly southwards into the Indian Peninsula. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?