Wildlife & Environment 31 October 2026
New Microscopic Land Snail Species 'Dicharax tilariensis' Discovered in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Why in the News?
Researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation have discovered a new species of microscopic land snail named **Dicharax tilariensis** from the Tilari region in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. The discovery was published in the *Journal of Conchology* by the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland on October 24, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Research Team: Discovered by researchers **Amrut Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray, and Akshay Khandekar** of the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation.
- Location & Habitat:
- Found near Swapnavel Point, close to Tilarinagar in Kolhapur district, at an elevation of 700–800 metres above sea level.
- Inhabits semi-evergreen forest litter, moist soil, and decaying organic leaf debris.
- Significance & Endemism:
- Represents only the **second known species** of the genus *Dicharax* endemic to the northern Western Ghats.
- Named *tilariensis* after the Tilari landscape where it was identified.
Static GK Facts:
- Western Ghats:
- Alternate Name: **Sahyadri Mountain Range**.
- Status: Designated as a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** in 2012 and one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity.
- Geographic Extent: Spans across 6 Indian states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu).
- Conchology:
- The branch of malacology that studies **mollusc shells**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: What is the scientific name of the new microscopic land snail species discovered in the Tilari region of Maharashtra?
A: Dicharax tilariensis
Q: Which wildlife organization's research team discovered the snail species Dicharax tilariensis?
A: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation
Q: What is the scientific study of mollusc shells called?
A: Conchology
Q: In which year were the Western Ghats inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: 2012
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