Ghatiana karnataka — New Freshwater Crab Species
22 August 2026
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Ghatiana karnataka — New Freshwater Crab Species
Why in News
A new species of freshwater crab, Ghatiana karnataka sp. nov., has been scientifically described from Mavinkaru in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Udupi district, Karnataka. The study was published in July 2026 by Santanu Mitra of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Ajmeer K., a Beat Forester of the Karnataka Forest Department.
Scientific Background
The species belongs to the family Gecarcinucidae and genus Ghatiana, which was established in 2014. With this discovery, the genus now includes 15 recognised species, all known from the Western Ghats. Karnataka alone is known to harbour eight Ghatiana species, highlighting the region’s high level of freshwater-crab diversity and endemism.
Salient Features
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New freshwater crab species Ghatiana karnataka discovered in Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka. Part of endemic Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
Keywords
Ghatiana karnatakafreshwater crab speciesWestern GhatsMookambika Wildlife Sanctuaryendemic speciesbiodiversity hotspotZoological Survey of Indialateritic habitatsspecies endemismecosystem indicators