Forest Patrol Leads to New Freshwater Crab Species in Karnataka

During a routine patrol in the Kollur range of Karnataka's Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary last year, beat forester Ajmeer K noticed a freshwater crab with distinctive coloration and movement. Instead of continuing his route, he investigated further and contacted Santanu Mitra of the Zoological Survey of India, who suspected it might be an undocumented species.

With permission from the forest department, researchers collected male and female specimens for detailed taxonomic analysis. The study documented physical characteristics, coloration, and habitat preferences before confirming the crab as new to science. The findings were published in the journal Species, with Ajmeer and Mitra as co-authors.

The newly described species, Ghatiana karnataka, belongs to a genus of freshwater crabs found only in the Western Ghats. Males display a predominantly dark-purple body with a striking light-pink to mauve V-shaped marking on the carapace, while females have a grey-violet front and dark grey-brown rear.

The species is currently confirmed from Mavinakaru near Kollur, though Ajmeer's observations suggest a wider distribution across the forest. These crabs inhabit highly moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, sheltering in boulder crevices, water-filled laterite rock holes, and damp tree cavities.

The surrounding landscape remains humid due to perennial rivers including the Souparnika, Mavinakaru, and Jadkal. During monsoon seasons the crabs venture across wet laterite rocks, retreating to moist hollows and cavities during drier periods. Their diet consists of decaying plant matter, bark, algae, and other organic material.

With this discovery, the genus Ghatiana now comprises 15 known species, all endemic to the Western Ghats. Karnataka alone hosts eight recorded species in the genus. Previous Ghatiana species have also been found in Karnataka's forests, often by forest staff and naturalists during field work.

Ajmeer, originally from Hosapete in Vijayanagara district, holds a BA degree and has developed a strong interest in documenting wildlife encountered during his forest duties. Mitra suggested the species name 'karnataka' to recognize the state's extraordinary biodiversity rather than naming it after the specific locality.

Kundapur Deputy Conservator of Forests Ruthren P noted the discovery highlights how much of the region's biodiversity remains undocumented. He emphasized that forest staff who take an interest in research and biodiversity should be encouraged and supported.