Srinagar- Researchers at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University have discovered a novel species of Caddisfly found in Jammu & Kashmir.
Caddisflies are a vital component of aquatic ecosystems. The insects play a crucial role in the food chain. Not only do they serve as a primary food source for various fish species, they also contribute to water purification by filtering algae and other potentially problematic organisms.
The novel species found in J&K has been officially designated as Rhyacophila masudi sp. nov.
The researchers told Kashmir Observer that the insect has been named after Late Dr Masud Choudhary, a visionary and founder Vice Chancellor BGSBUs. The species etymology in Dr. Choudhary’s name has been decided in view of his significant contribution in transforming the university into a center of excellence in teaching and research and his outstanding services to the local communities, especially for residents of Pirpanjal Range in the UT.
This discovery underscores ecological significance of these insect species, showcasing the ongoing contributions of BGSB University scholars to the field of entomology, the researchers said.
The initial sighting of this novel species occurred during caddisfly sampling activities across the Indian Himalayas, with the new species making its debut in the DKG forest of Buffliaz in the Poonch District. International acceptance was granted following rigorous peer review, culminating in the decision of Dr. John C. Morse, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Clemson University, USA.
The research work was also a part of the 17th International Symposia on Trichoptera, which washeld at Lunz Am See, Austria, in September 2022. Dr. Sajad Hussain Parey, an assistant Professor at the Department of Zoology, in Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University presented the findings of their work in Austria alongside other world-renowned entomologists working on caddisflies. The work has been published in the prestigious German refereed journal, Contributions to Entomology.
BGSBU faculty Tabraq Ali is the lead author of this discovery along with research scholars Zahid Hussain and Aquib Majeed while Dr. Sajad Hussain Parey, and Dr. Manpreet Singh Pandher, Scientist-D at High Altitude Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, are co-authors.
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