Source: News18

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Context

• Indian researchers found a new blue ant species in Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, reflecting the region's rich biodiversity and the growing conservation challenges it faces.

Details

Key Points

• Discovery:
  • A new blue ant species, Paraparatrechina neela, was discovered in Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Research Team:
  • Researchers from ATREE and the University of Florida made the discovery.
• Expedition Background:
  • The team aimed to re-survey the biodiversity following the historic 'Abhor expedition' from 1911-1912.
• Publication:
  • The discovery was published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.
• Biodiversity Hotspot:
  • Siang Valley is a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot with significant unexplored diversity.
• Conservation Concerns:
  • Large-scale infrastructure projects and climate change threaten the valley's ecological and cultural richness.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • The new ant species has a metallic-blue body, large eyes, and a sub-triangular head, making it a rare find among ants.

About Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh

Geographical Location:

• Siang Valley is located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• It is part of the Eastern Himalayas and is traversed by the Siang River, which later becomes the Brahmaputra River.

Biodiversity Hotspot:

• The valley is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, housing a wide range of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region.
• This includes a variety of plants, animals, insects, and birds.

About ATREE

Mission and Focus:

• The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a Bengaluru-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity.
• Its mission encompasses research, policy advocacy, and education to address critical environmental challenges.

Research and Conservation:

• ATREE conducts interdisciplinary research on a wide range of environmental issues including climate change, water resources, forest conservation, and ecosystem services.
• It collaborates with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to implement conservation projects and influence environmental policy.

Capacity Building and Education:

• ATREE is involved in capacity building and training programs aimed at enhancing environmental awareness and skills among various groups.
• This includes offering fellowships, organizing workshops, and providing educational resources to scientists, policymakers, and the public to foster sustainable environmental practices.

​Sources:

News18

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about the newly discovered ant species Paraparatrechina neela: It was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley. The species exhibits a unique metallic-blue coloration. The discovery was published in the journal Nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a)1 and 2 only b)2 and 3 only c)1 and 3 only d)1, 2, and 3 Answer: a)