ZSI scientists uncover new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin

The brand new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica).
| Photograph Credit score: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have recognized a brand new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica) that diverged from the Chinese language pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) roughly 3.4 million years in the past.

The event of the species was doubtless influenced by dramatic geoclimatic adjustments within the Indo-Burma area, which is recognised as one of many world’s biodiversity hotspots. The small print of the invention was revealed within the paper ‘Indo‐Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica): a novel phylogenetic species of pangolin advanced in Asia’ in worldwide peer-reviewed journal Mammalian Biology.

“With the current findings, we advocate recognition of this novel lineage as Indo-Burmese pangolin, Manis indoburmanica – a definite phylogenetic species of Asian pangolin. This lineage’s distinctive evolutionary historical past and genetic distinctiveness, highlighted by its divergence roughly 3.4 million years in the past amid vital paleo-climatic shifts, underline its vulnerability and the essential want for focused conservation measures,” the paper acknowledged.

The invention was led by a crew of scientists led by Mukesh Thakur of the ZSI who used cutting-edge genomic instruments to analyse mitochondrial genomes.

“This discovery is a testomony to the facility of contemporary genetic instruments in uncovering hidden range. The Indo-Burmese pangolin not solely enriches our understanding of Asian pangolins but additionally emphasises the necessity for region-specific conservation efforts,” Dr. Thakur mentioned.

Lenrik Konchok Wangmo, a PhD scholar on the College of Calcutta and a key contributor to the invention, performed a significant function in figuring out the holotype and paratype specimens from Arunachal Pradesh. “This species provides a brand new dimension to pangolin conservation, highlighting the significance of defending their habitats from threats like poaching and habitat degradation,” Mr. Wangmo mentioned.

The examine was primarily based on genetic analyses of specimens that confirmed that the Indo-Burmese pangolin diverged from the Chinese language pangolin round 3.4 million years in the past.

“A big genetic distance of 0.038 and a barcode hole of three.8% bolstered its standing as a definite species. The species is believed to have advanced in isolation through the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, influenced by climatic and geological shifts. Its present distribution spans elements of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and probably extends to Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar,” the scientists behind the invention mentioned.

Dr. Thakur emphasised that discovery of the Indo-Burmese pangolin underscores the pressing must prioritise pangolin conservation. “Pangolins are among the many most closely trafficked mammals globally,” he mentioned, including that recognizing this species as distinct highlights its vulnerability and the urgent want for collaborative conservation measures throughout its vary.”

Lauding the crew of scientists for the invention, ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee mentioned this exceptional discovering demonstrates the essential function of scientific analysis in uncovering biodiversity and informing conservation motion. “Defending the Indo-Burmese pangolin is important to safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Indo-Burma area,” Dr. Banerjee mentioned.

Pangolins are among the many most trafficked wild mammals globally. India is residence to 2 species — the Indian Pangolin, discovered throughout the subcontinent; and the Chinese language Pangolin, discovered throughout a bigger space in south Asia. Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam have each species of their States. World Pangolin Day is noticed yearly on February 18.