Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.
The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.
The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.
The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.
Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.
Comments
The passion of young Ms Tabassum and Social Working of today, particularly, gives me lot of hope. It almost feels like the political class wants to bring down India while the people are so hard working and committed to nation building.
Congratulation Miss. Way to go.
PS: Media has been compromised and fake news factories churn out crap daily. Thanks CD for bringing this news to readers.
CONGRATULATIONS.
Mrs.Tabassum's service for humanity is highly commendable.She looks after HIV & AIDS effected children with compassion like mother without expecting anything in returns.
She is the alumni of JF managed Green View PU womens college at Derealakette.
She deserve for more prestigious awards even like "Padma Shri" for her selfless and sincere services for the society and the nation.
All the best.
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