Geography & BiodiversityImportant2025-10-14

Discovery of Tilari Hairy Snail in Maharashtra

In News

What Happened

In October 2025, researchers discovered a new snail species, the Tilari hairy snail (Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii), in the semi-evergreen Tilari forest region of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The findings were formally published in the Journal of Conchology. The species was named in honor of the renowned Japanese animator and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

Why It Matters

This discovery extends the known geographical range of the Lagocheilus genus by 540 km northwards into the Indian Peninsula. It highlights the vast, unexplored microhabitat diversity of the Western Ghats and emphasizes the critical need for localized conservation efforts.

Background

History & Context

The Western Ghats is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot known for high species endemism. Invertebrates like land snails often serve as excellent bioindicators for micro-ecosystem health, particularly in leaf litter and tree barks. Previously, the Lagocheilus genus was known to exist only much further south in the Western Ghats. The Tilari forest region, which was declared a conservation reserve by the Maharashtra government, continues to reveal new species, proving its ecological significance.

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

This discovery strongly connects to Class 11 Biology Chapter 15 (Biodiversity and Conservation). It serves as a practical example of species diversity and endemism within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, illustrating how taxonomic research continuously updates our inventory of global biodiversity.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With 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?

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