Discovery of New Marine Worm Species
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with international experts, have discovered two new species of marine worms (polychaetes) in West Bengal's coastal regions of Digha and Bankiput, Purba Medinipur. This discovery highlights the rich and fragile marine biodiversity of the northern Bay of Bengal, despite significant human activity and pollution.
Details of New Species
- Namalycastis solenotognatha
- Name derived from Greek words "solenotos" (channeled) and "gnatha" (jaw).
- Features a unique jaw structure with numerous canals from the pulp cavity.
- Thrives in extreme environments like sulfide-rich, foul-smelling mudflats.
- Commonly found on decomposing mangrove wood and hardened clay.
- Nereis dhritiae
- Named after Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman director of ZSI.
- Inhabits wooden dock piles on sandy beaches, submerged during high tide.
Ecological Significance
- Nereidid worms play a crucial role in coastal ecosystem health by aiding nutrient cycling and sediment aeration.
- These species demonstrate resilience by thriving in heavily polluted areas, indicating their potential as bioindicators for coastal health monitoring.
Future Directions
Further research is needed to understand these species fully and explore their conservation potential. Their discovery underlines the importance of protecting yet-undiscovered marine biodiversity.
