Source: East Mojo

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Context

• Gautam Kadam and Rishikesh Tripathi discovered a new spider species, Steriphopus wangala, in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, named after the Garo community's Wangala Festival. The finding emphasizes the importance of studying ground-dwelling spiders.

Details

Key Points

• Biodiversity and Environment:
  • Discovery of new species emphasizes the importance of biodiversity.
  • Significance of ground-dwelling spiders in the ecosystem.
  • Threats to species due to human activities like Jhum cultivation and road construction.
• Science and Technology in Conservation:
  • Role of taxonomy in identifying new species.
  • Importance of ecological studies in conservation efforts.
• Cultural Heritage:
  • Integration of local cultural festivals in naming new species.
  • Importance of preserving cultural heritage alongside natural heritage.
• Geography:
  • Location and significance of Meghalaya, particularly the Garo Hills.

Features of the Steriphopus wangala:

• Family:
  • Palpimanidae (Palp-Footed Spiders).
• Distinctive Features:
  • Reddish-brown colour, powerful and heavily sclerotized first pair of legs.
• Habitat:
  • Ground-dwelling, found in human settlements in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
• Taxonomy:
  • Confirmed as a new species in the Steriphopus genus, now having five species globally, with two in India.

About Wangala Festival:

• Community:
  • Celebrated by the Garo community.
• Location:
• Significance:
  • Harvest festival honouring Saljong, the Sun God of fertility.
• Ceremonies:
  • "Ragula" on the first day, "Kakkat" on the second day.
• Celebrations:
  • Colourful costumes, feathered headgears, traditional dances, and music involving drums, gongs, and buffalo horn flutes.
• Cultural Impact:
  • Reflects the community's connection to their agricultural roots and natural environment.

Sources:

East Mojo

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