In a major breakthrough for ecological science in Northeast India, two new species of earthworms—Kanchuria tripuraensis and Kanchuria priyasankari—have been formally identified in Tripura.
The discovery stems from a collaborative research initiative involving scientists from Tripura and Kerala, led by Dr. Animesh Dey, Assistant Professor at the Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Tripura University.
Dr. Dey said that the original specimens were collected between 2004 and 2010 during his PhD research with Dr. Sabyasachi Nath under the mentorship of renowned earthworm taxonomist Prof. Priyasankar Chaudhuri (Retd.). A new team of young researchers recently managed to recollect the specimens, leading to their official classification.
The first species, Kanchuria tripuraensis, has been named after the state of Tripura, where it was discovered in rubber and pineapple plantations. The second, Kanchuria priyasankari, pays tribute to Prof. Priyasankar Chaudhuri for his pioneering contributions to earthworm taxonomy over the past four decades, which have brought national and international recognition to Tripura's biodiversity.
According to the research findings, K. tripuraensis is distinct within the genus Kanchuria for its single ventromedian spermathecae located in segments 7 and 8. K. priyasankari falls under the turaensis species group, noted for having three pairs of spermathecal pores, and differs from its close relative K. turaensis in its smaller body size and specific reproductive features.
With these additions, the genus Kanchuria, endemic to Northeast India, now comprises 10 species. This discovery raises the total number of documented megadrile earthworm species in Tripura to 38, underscoring the Eastern Himalaya-Northeastern Hills as the second most earthworm-diverse region in India.
Two drowned in Pune bridge collapse, PM Modi speaks to CM Fadnavis
At least two people were killed, 32 others injured, while a total of 41 people were rescued after they fell into an overflowing river when an old bridge they were crossing collapsed in Maharashtra's Pune district on Sunday.
Haifa port in Israel operating normally despite Iran attack
There has been no damage to Israel’s Haifa port in the Iranian ballistic missile attack on an oil refinery nearby and cargo operations are progressing unhindered, according to media reports.
No recommendation, no discrimination: HM Amit Shah hails UP’s inclusive recruitment drive
In a historic ceremony, Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed appointment letters to 60,244 newly selected police personnel at the Defence Expo Ground in Sector 18, Vrindavan. Out of these 60,000 recruits, more than 12,000 comprised women.
Round-the-clock DNA profiling underway: FSL Gandhinagar Director explains complex process
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has been operating around the clock to identify victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash through DNA profiling and matching.
Civil Aviation Ministry issues strict instructions to DGCA to enforce chopper safety
In the wake of a tragic helicopter crash in the Gaurikund area of Uttarakhand, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday issued strict instructions to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce all safety protocols related to chopper operations in hilly and sensitive areas like the Kedarnath valley.
‘Harming Indians will invite punishment’, HM Shah on Op Sindoor
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that through the anti-terror Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a strong message across the world that the bloodshed of Indians will invite punishment.
Dassault CEO trashes Pakistan's claims on downing Rafale jets
Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier has dismissed as "factually incorrect" Pakistan’s claims about having shot down three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor.
Tripura BJP stages protest over vandalism at Tagore's ancestral home in B'desh
Ruling BJP in Tripura on Saturday staged state-wide protests along the Bangladesh border, protesting the recent attack and vandalism of the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in the neighbouring country.