Arunachal Pradesh, a biodiversity hotspot in India, has once again proven to be a treasure trove of unique species. A team of researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) has discovered two rare ant species from the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (EWS). This remarkable finding enhances our understanding of ant diversity in the region and marks a significant contribution to entomology.

Honoring an Ecologist: Parasyscia ganeshaiahi

One of the newly discovered species has been named Parasyscia ganeshaiahi, in honor of writer, ecologist, and ATREE co-founder, Professor K. N. Ganeshaiah. This marks the first time a species of the Parasyscia genus has been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh.

A First for India: Syscia indica

The second species, Syscia indica, is even more significant as it represents the first record of this genus in India. Syscia indica is a blind, cryptic ant that thrives in hidden environments such as leaf litter, decaying logs, and beneath rocks. Before this discovery, the Syscia genus was known only from China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With this new addition, the global count of Syscia species now stands at 39.

The Research Team and Their Findings

The discovery was made by a dedicated team led by Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan, a senior fellow at ATREE, along with researchers Aswaj Punnath and Sahanashree (ATREE, Bengaluru), Aniruddha Marathe (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru), and WS Udayakantha (Sri Lanka). Their research has been published in the latest issue of ZooKeys, an esteemed scientific journal.

Significance of the Discovery

The presence of Syscia indica in India fills a crucial gap in the distribution records of this genus. These rare ants typically inhabit decomposing wood, soil, and leaf litter, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by contributing to organic matter decomposition and soil aeration.

Conclusion

The discovery of Parasyscia ganeshaiahi and Syscia indica highlights the ecological richness of Arunachal Pradesh and emphasizes the need for sustained conservation efforts. As researchers continue to uncover hidden species in these remote areas, each finding adds valuable knowledge to the scientific community and reinforces the significance of preserving these habitats for future generations.