NEW SPIDER SPECIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: Recently, two new spider species, the Palpimanus Godawan and Palpimanus Maldhok, have been found in the conservation sites of the Rajasthan Desert National Park and Solapur.

New Spider Species

• Local Names: These two spider species, Godawan and Maldhok, have been named in tribute to the indigenous name of the Great Indian Bustard.
• Spider Characteristics:  They tend to conceal themselves under rocks or within crevices when disturbed.

oMaroon Coloration: These spiders share their maroon color with the other two known species in the Palpimanidae genus.

oGround-Dwelling: They primarily inhabit the ground and have robust bodies, limiting their ability to disperse through common spider methods such as ballooning and web-shooting.

oRestricted Range: They tend to stay within a confined area.

Great Indian Bustard

• Geographic Distribution: The Great Indian Bustard is primarily found in the Indian subcontinent and holds the status of being India's flagship grassland species.
• Impressive Bird: It ranks among the world's largest flying birds and is the heaviest flying bird in India.
• Population Distribution: Approximately 95% of the world's Great Indian Bustard population, totaling around 150 individuals, resides in Rajasthan.

oThe majority of these birds are concentrated in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, including their natural habitat in the Desert National Park.

oThe species also thrives in the grasslands of Kutch, Gujarat, home to the second-largest bustard population in India.

oOther populations can be found in arid regions of Maharashtra (Solapur), Karnataka (Bellary and Haveri), and Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool).

• State Symbol: The Great Indian Bustard holds the esteemed position of being the State bird of Rajasthan.
• Conservation Status

oIUCN: Critically Endangered.

oCITES: Appendix I

• The Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972: Schedule I