Gautam Kadam, in collaboration with Rishikesh Tripathi, discovered 12 new spider species, including four from Meghalaya, emphasizing the neglect of ground-dwelling spider families.
Discovery of Steriphopus wangala:
Gautam Kadam discovered a new species, Steriphopus wangala, in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. This species is characterized by its reddish-brown color and powerful front legs, dedicated to the Garo community’s harvest festival.
Scientific Expedition:
The discovery was part of a scientific expedition by P.A. Sebastian Centre for Arachnology Research (PASCAR) and Centre for Animal Taxonomy and Ecology (CATE) in remote Meghalayan regions.
Taxonomic and Ecological Insights
Taxonomic Identification: The spider belongs to the Palpimanidae family, distinguished by its heavily sclerotized first pair of legs, aiding in field identification.
Genus Description: After lab analysis, it was confirmed as a new species in the Steriphopus genus of Palpimanidae, increasing the global count to five species, with two in India.
Conservation and Cultural Significance
Conservation Concerns: Rishikesh Tripathi highlighted threats like Jhum cultivation and road constructions to the species’ habitat.
Cultural Dedication: The species was named after the 100 Drums Festival, celebrating the Garo community’s Sun-God of fertility, marking the end of toil and onset of winter.
The Wangala Festival
Cultural Celebration: The Wangala Festival, spanning days, honors Saljong, the Sun-God, featuring vibrant costumes, feathered headgears, and rhythmic drum beats.
Dance and Music: Participants, young and old, engage in traditional dances accompanied by drums, gongs, and flutes, creating a memorable spectacle.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the name of the newly discovered spider species by Gautam Kadam?
- A) Steriphopus saljong
- B) Steriphopus wangala
- C) Steriphopus garoensis
- D) Steriphopus festivalensis
- Answer: B) Steriphopus wangala
- Which family of spiders does the newly discovered species belong to?
- A) Lycosidae
- B) Palpimanidae
- C) Zodariidae
- D) Theraphosidae
- Answer: B) Palpimanidae
- Who identified the species as belonging to the Steriphopus genus?
- A) Gautam Kadam
- B) Rishikesh Tripathi
- C) Dr. Pradeep Sankaran
- D) Dr. P.A. Sebastian
- Answer: C) Dr. Pradeep Sankaran
- Which festival is the new spider species, Steriphopus wangala, dedicated to?
- A) Onam
- B) Wangala Festival
- C) Diwali
- D) Christmas
- Answer: B) Wangala Festival
- What is a major threat to the habitat of Steriphopus wangala, according to Rishikesh Tripathi?
- A) Urbanization
- B) Deforestation
- C) Jhum cultivation
- D) Pollution
- Answer: C) Jhum cultivation