Rare dragonfly spotted in Kerala for the first time
The Hindu
Spiny Horntail discovered in Kottiyoor forests of Kannur
Dragonfly enthusiasts have recorded the presence of a rare dragonfly that was hitherto unseen in Kerala.
Afsar Nayakkan and Vibhu Vipanchika spotted the Spiny Horntail, Burmagomphus chaukulensis Joshi, Ogale & Sawant, 2022 (or B. chaukulensis), during a recent expedition to the Kottiyoor forests of Kannur. The species that is known to be endemic to the Western Ghats was discovered in Maharashtra earlier this year.
The discovery that was recorded from Kottiyoor was confirmed by Vinayan P. Nair, an odonate expert who represents the TNHS Odonata Research Group (TORG) of the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS).
Researchers Shantanu Joshi, Dattaprasad Sawant and Hemant Ogale had spotted the species from Chaukul in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Prior to their finding, the dragonfly genus Burmagomphus was represented by three species – B. cauvericus, B. pyramidalis and B. laidlawi. While B. laidlawi is found throughout the Western Ghats, B. cauvericus is more restricted in its distribution. B. pyramidalis is found in the Western Ghats as well as in Peninsular India. All other species of the genus are found in the Western and Eastern Himalayas.
The new species can be separated from its congeners by the markings on the lateral thorax and peculiar shape of anal appendages, said Mr. Nair.
According to a paper published by TORG last year, 181 odonata species have been recorded in Kerala. The addition of B. chaukulensis will take the count to 182.
TORG research associate Kalesh Sadasivan said the discovery demanded more detailed studies of odonates in the areas of Kerala that forms part of the Western Ghats.
Four years after the Union government launched the Svamitva scheme to digitise property records in rural areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute 58 lakh property cards providing ‘Record of Rights’ to owners in over 50,000 villages across 12 States on Friday at a virtual event
M. Suhaib, Additional District Judge, Kozhikode, suspended for alleged misconduct towards female court employee in official chamber.
Foundation laid for new auditorium at Sivakasi Government Arts and Science College with financial support from local businesses.
Telangana to introduce new clean energy policy to meet rising energy demands sustainably, aiming for 20,000 MW renewable capacity by 2030.
The girl, who was admitted to Aster CMI Hospital with alarming breathlessness and significant pallor, was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA), a rare autoimmune condition that causes spontaneous bleeding in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory failure.
Puzhal prison officials investigate fire accident that destroyed old files and cardboard boxes, possibly caused by prisoners.
ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh. The official is accused of manipulating the tender processes for awarding contract for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, and conducting awareness meetings for SC/STs. It is alleged that the total value of properties stolen, or involved in the case is estimated at ₹1,75,86,600.
The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year has seen a surge in tourists visiting Mysuru with the hospitality sector announcing 100 per cent occupancy for the entire duration.
BJP leader and former MP, Prathap Simha, has backed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to name a stretch of KRS road in the city after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Tourists flock to Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts for holidays, leading to full occupancy in hotels and attractions.
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer's legacy in music and teachings remembered through stories and memories of his disciples and students.