Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 17 March 2026
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) records nine new species in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Exam-focused facts from the 17 March 2026 current affairs briefing.
Key facts
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists discovered nine new species during faunal surveys at Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Western Ghats.
- The surveys conducted between 2018 and 2022 documented 977 species across 21 faunal groups.
- New species include the jumping spider Stenaelurillus megamalai, two mayflies Edmundsula meghamalaiensis, and the damselfly Protosticta sholai endemic to the Megamalai–Periyar landscape.
- The sanctuary forms part of the 1,016 sq km Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve notified in 2021.