In a new discovery, Indian arachnologists have found two new species of spider - Palpimanus Godawan and Palpimanus Maldhok - in the conservation sites of the Rajasthan Desert National Park and Solapur district in Maharashtra.
In a recent study published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, the researchers said that the habitats of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) played a crucial role in creating an ecosystem for the survival of the two spider species that belong to the Palpimanidae genus.
Named after the local terms for the GIB, “Godawan” and “Maldhok” species of spider aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for the preservation of these vital habitats.
Arachnologist Rishikesh Tripathi, who found the Palpimanus Godawan while working with the Wildlife Institute of India, said in his research that if the GIB were not there, the habitat would not have been protected, and these spiders would not have survived.
The critically endangered birds are crucial in preserving the delicate balance of their ecosystems, and every species, including the recently discovered spiders, adds to the intricate tapestry of life in these vulnerable environments.
Apart from Tripathi, the other scientists and researchers who were behind the discoveries include Nikhil Kuni, founder of the Palpimanus Maldhok, Pradeep M Sankaran, a researcher, and Sudhikumar AV, an assistant professor.
Conservationists have urged for a united endeavour to safeguard not only the captivating giant animals, but also the frequently neglected species that play an equally crucial role in maintaining the wellbeing and adaptability of ecosystems.