KOCHI:Researchers from the School of Marine Sciences at Cusat have reported the discovery of a new species of Victoriopisa (amphipoda) from the Valanthakad mangrove in Vembanad backwaters. During a study on mangroves and its associated fauna, the research team comprising Cusat School of Marine Biology head S Bijoy Nandan, Philomina Joseph and P R Jayachandran discovered the new species at the Valanthakad Mangrove Island of Vembanad-Kol Wetland ecosystem and it has been named Victoriopisa cusatensis. This is the first time a species is named after Cusat.
The male amphipoda discovered by the team was 8.4 mm long, while the two females measured 7.6 mm and 6.7 mm. The species has five features that make them distinct from other species. They have a characteristic projection at dorsolateral margin of peduncle article 2 of antenna 1 in male which is smooth in the female. The species has broad, triangular lateral cephalic lobe and a posteroventral tooth in epimeral plates. The presence of lateral and subapical spines in telson and smooth palm of gnathopod 2 without any excavations are the other features.
“The discovery underscores the need to conserve our mangroves. Kerala had 14,000 hectares of mangroves a few decades ago which is fast shrinking due to construction activities. According to a recent report of the Forest Survey of India, the mangroves in Kerala has shrunken to around 600 hectares. The mangroves and wetlands in Kerala house many benthic organisms which are yet to be explored. We need good taxonomists to explore the rich biodiversity of our wetlands. Taxonomy is an integral component of biodiversity assessment and conservation. Our researchers are more focused on high-end research like molecular studies and disease management. Taxonomy is a vital tool for conservation at a time of habitat degradation,” said Bijoy Nandan.