Manjunath S Nayak:
A freshwater crab species Ghatiana dhritiarum sp nov. has been discovered in the central Western Ghats of Uttar Kannada district (Devalamakki) Karnataka, India. This was found and detailed by two Beat Foresters Gopal Diggya Naik and Sunil Rama Gouda from the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD).
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has confirmed the identification of this freshwater crab species. It is the 77th crab species found in India and one of 14th species of Ghatiana genus with seven located in Karnataka. There are more than 1500 freshwater crab species found across the world.
Ghatiana dhritiarum belonging to the family Gecarcinucidae inhabits water filled holes of tree trunk and laterite boulders in evergreen forests. These freshwater crabs are omnivorous and their primary diet comprises of moss growing on laterite boulders, rotten leaves and bark, termites, mosquito larvae, and small worms.
Characterized mainly by a proportionately broad carapace, slender eyestalk, this Ghatiana species also exhibits other unique morphological features and distinct coloration in life. It is found in three colors in its three stages of life. Its head is black-colored while legs are orange during juvenile stage. Its upper portion will be creamy and black mixed with purple beneath. It is completely white and sharp portions of the legs are orange in colors during its adult stage.
This discovery by Beat Foresters of Karnataka Forest Department emphasizes the need for further studies in Western Ghats particularly the central Western Ghats in Karnataka.
Interesting Observations:
G. dhritiarum crab is found only in evergreen forests or grasslands and that too in laterite boulders which have been naturally formed millions of years ago. Thus, it is seen as an indicator species. It can be seen only during monsoon. It thrives on fungus and scavenges on dead insects. Even though, it lives in hollow tree trunks, it prefers damp and water spaces.
Speaking to Green Minute News, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Kumar Pushkar said, “I am happy to note that our Field officers from Karnataka Forest department, along with ZSI, have discovered another species of Crab from Genus Ghatiana. I am extremely pleased to say that new species, Ghatiana dhritiarum, was discovered from Shirave hills, Karwar Division by our Beat Foresters – Gopal Naik and Sunil Rama Gouda. The scientific temperament shown by our frontline staff is commendable and encouraging.”
T Hiralal, CCF Canara circle added that the species was found one-and-half years ago. “We sent it to ZSI through PCCF. The ZSI has identified it, uploaded it to ZSI portal. This species is endemic to Shirvegudda near Karwar.”
Expressing his happiness, one of the Beat Foresters Gopal Naik said, “The new species is typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 600 meters above sea level and confined to an area of approximately 24 square kilometers.”
With so many freshwater crab species found in India, this wonderful discovery in Uttar Kannada district, the Karnataka part of Western Ghats is the seventh one and many more to come, if research studies are conducted further.
(PHOTO CREDIT: ALL FIVE IMAGES ARE BY GOPAL NAIK, BEAT FORESTER, KARNATAKA FOREST DEPARTMENT)
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