A research team working together identified two fresh species of jumping spiders Epidelaxia falciformis and Epidelaxia palustris within the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Western Ghats. Scientists have established Epidelaxia as a genus which now exists in Indian territory following its initial discovery in Sri Lanka. The scientific article in Zootaxa demonstrates how the area possesses great biological diversity.
Significance of Discovery
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First record of the Epidelaxia genus in India.
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The genus Epidelaxia now reaches from Sri Lanka into Indian territory.
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Highlights the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Research Collaboration
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The research team consisted of scientists from the University of Kerala who collaborated with Saveetha Medical College and Bharata Mata College.
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Research results from Zootaxa appeared in Volume 22 Issue 2 of February 2025.
Species Characteristics
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Epidelaxia falciformis (4.39 mm)
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Males: Brown carapace with a yellow-brown stripe.
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Females: Yellow triangular-shaped mark on prosoma.
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Epidelaxia palustris (Males: 4.57 mm, Females: 3.69 mm)
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Males: Pale brown band along the side of the body.
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Females: Similar coloration with white orbital setae around the eyes.
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Adaptation & Habitat
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This species lives in the thick wooded area of Western Ghats.
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The sexual organs of these species hold distinct features which allow identification of different species during the mating process.
About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
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Location & Geography
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The sanctuary exists within Kollam district of Kerala where it sits in the southern region of Western Ghats.
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Covers 172 sq. km., part of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
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Hilly terrain with deep ravines.
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Drainage System
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Major rivers: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy, Kulathupuzha.
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The Kallada River receives its water from three merging streams.
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Flora
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Vegetation: Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests.
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This habitat received its name from Gluta travancorica (local name 'Chenkurunji') which stands as an endemic tree among the surroundings.
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Fauna
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The animals found in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary include elephants together with tigers and leopards while nearby exist gaurs and sambar deer and barking deer and wild boars and bonnet macaques.
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Endemic species: Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques.
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The forest area supports more than 200 bird species such as the great Indian hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill along with white-bellied treepie and multiple woodpecker and raptor species.
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Ecological Significance
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The area acts as a biodiversity hotspot intended to protect endangered wildlife species.
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Part of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, crucial for conservation efforts.
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Conclusion
The Western Ghats became home to Epidelaxia falciformis and Epidelaxia palustris marking an important addition of Epidelaxia species outside Sri Lanka. The ecological variety of this region gets stronger as researchers find new evidence supports the study of its arachnid biodiversity.
