ZSI Documents New Species at Megamalai Sanctuary
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The specific jumping spider and damselfly populations in the Megamalai region were largely undocumented by formal taxonomy. NOW: The ZSI has officially recorded nine new species, adding them to the national biodiversity database.
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BEFORE: Megamalai was historically viewed primarily as a standalone sanctuary protecting local endemic species. NOW: It is increasingly recognized and managed as a vital, active ecological corridor within the larger Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve complex.
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BEFORE: Bio-indicator data for this specific Montane Shola patch was relatively sparse. NOW: The discovery of sensitive invertebrate species provides vital baseline data to monitor climate change impacts on the delicate Shola ecosystem.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements regarding the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) and its ecosystem are correct? 1. It serves as an ecological corridor connecting the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala with the forests of Tamil Nadu. 2. The region is characterized by Montane Shola forests, which are stunted tropical forests found in high-altitude valleys.