Scientists Discover New Worm-Like Amphibian in Maharashtra
What Happened
Scientists have identified a new species of legless, underground-dwelling amphibian called Gegeneophis chandgadi in the Chandgad region of Maharashtra's Western Ghats. The species was discovered by researchers from multiple institutions, including the Zoological Survey of India. Named after the local Chandgadi dialect, the amphibian belongs to a group known as caecilians, which are often mistaken for earthworms or snakes.
Key Takeaways
The discovery highlights the rich and still underexplored biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. It also underscores the importance of preserving habitats beyond protected forests, as the species was found in residential and agricultural landscapes. The find raises the number of known Gegeneophis species in India to 12, most of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.