Kasargodia Sheebae and Pilarta Vaman

Recent research in the Western Ghats of Kerala has led to the discovery of two new species of freshwater crabs, Kasargodia sheebae and Pilarta vaman. These species have been described as part of the Gecarcinucidae family, which includes various species of freshwater crabs found in South Asia.

Key Highlights:

1. New Genus and Species:

   • Kasargodia sheebae is a new genus of freshwater crabs, with the name Kasargodia deriving from the Kasargod district in northern Kerala.

   • Pilarta vaman is the second species, named after the Vaman avatar of Vishnu, reflecting its small size.

   Distinct Physical Features:

   • Kasargodia sheebae is characterized by a brownish-orange carapace (the hard shell of the crab) with numerous black spots. The limbs that bear its claws are also orange with black spots.

   • Pilarta vaman has a more quadrate-shaped carapace and is notably small, aligning with the reference to the Vaman avatar of Vishnu, which symbolizes a small form.

   Geographic Location:

   • Both species were discovered in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, specifically in the Kerala region.

   Importance of the Discovery:

   • This discovery contributes to the biodiversity knowledge of the Western Ghats, which is renowned for its rich and varied ecosystems.

   • These new species highlight the need for conservation efforts in the region, which houses many endemic species.