Ghatiana karnataka

UPSC Reference Category: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity | New Species

What is it?

A newly described freshwater crab species.

Scientific Name

Ghatiana karnataka

Location

  • Mavinkaru
  • Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Udupi district
  • Karnataka
  • Western Ghats.

Family

Gecarcinucidae

Genus

Ghatiana

The genus is endemic to the Western Ghats. The newly described species adds to Karnataka's diversity of Ghatiana crabs.

Ecological Significance

Highlights:

  • High endemism of Western Ghats
  • Importance of microhabitats
  • Freshwater biodiversity
  • Need for taxonomic surveys.

Key Pointer

Ghatiana karnataka → freshwater crab → Karnataka → Mookambika WLS → Western Ghats