researchers have identified two new species of earthworms in the northeastern state of Tripura. Named Kanchuria tripuraensis and Kanchuria priyasankari, the findings have been officially recognized, marking a milestone in India’s soil biodiversity research.
The discovery has placed Tripura on the global biodiversity map once again. These species were found during a detailed field study aimed at assessing the ecological health of the region’s forest soils.
A Milestone for Tripura’s Biodiversity
The research was led by a team from the Department of Zoology, Maharaja Bir Bikram University (MBBU), Agartala. The team conducted extensive soil sampling and morphological analysis across multiple locations in West and Gomati districts.
“Kanchuria tripuraensis has been named after the state of Tripura, while Kanchuria priyasankari honors one of the lead scientist’s late mother for her lifelong encouragement of science,” said Dr. Dipankar Deb, who supervised the study.
The findings were published in a peer-reviewed international journal on invertebrate taxonomy earlier this month.
Unique Characteristics of the New Species Of Earthworm
Both species belong to the genus Kanchuria, which is mostly found in the Indian subcontinent. These earthworms play a critical role in improving soil fertility, organic matter decomposition, and nutrient cycling.
- Kanchuria tripuraensis was found in semi-evergreen forest patches with moderate soil moisture.
- Kanchuria priyasankari was discovered near streamside soil in dense bamboo groves.
The earthworms are distinguishable by their unique body segmentation, setae arrangement, and clitellum shape. Genetic sequencing confirmed that these are previously undocumented species.
Why Earthworms Matter
Earthworms are often called the “engineers of the soil.” Their activity enhances soil aeration, drainage, and microbial activity. Discovering new species helps scientists better understand the ecological balance of forest systems.
Tripura’s tropical and sub-tropical climate supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. This discovery reaffirms the importance of preserving its rich natural habitats.
“Earthworms are bioindicators. Their presence and diversity reflect the health of ecosystems. The discovery suggests that Tripura still holds many biological secrets,” said Dr. Papiya Majumder, a co-author of the study.
Tripura’s Growing Role in Scientific Research: Earthworm
Tripura, often overlooked in national research agendas, has been quietly building its reputation in biodiversity studies. Also, recent studies on butterflies, amphibians, and now annelids (segmented worms) show the state’s untapped potential.
In 2022, a new species of frog was also discovered in the state’s Sepahijala district. These developments underscore the need for continued scientific exploration and conservation in the region.
Institutional Support and Collaboration
The research was conducted with support from the Tripura State Council for Science and Technology and in collaboration with soil biology experts from Assam and West Bengal.
This discovery opens doors for further collaborative studies, especially on microfauna, which are often neglected in conservation efforts.
Urgent Need for Conservation
Despite these rich findings, scientists warn that rapid urbanization and deforestation could threaten undiscovered species. Protecting forest patches and sustainable land-use policies are now more crucial than ever.
“We must act now to safeguard these fragile ecosystems. Each new species discovered is a reminder of how much we still don’t know — and how much we could lose,” said Dr. Deb.
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