Steneucyrtus wayanadensis:
Researchers have identified a new species of darkling beetle, named Steneucyrtus wayanadensis in Kerala.
- Steneucyrtus wayanadensis is a new species of darkling beetle.
- It belongs to the genus Steneucyrtus and was discovered during a scientific survey deep within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The researchers have officially named it for paying permanent tribute to its type locality in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Wayanad district of Kerala, India,
- It forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It is bordered by the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka on the northeastern side and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the southeastern side.
- Rivers like the Kabini, Cherupuzha, and Bavali flow through the sanctuary.
- Tribes living in these forests include some scheduled adivasis, such as Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas.
- It is a mosaic of the Western Ghats’ significant vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
- Flora: Teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.
- Fauna: It is home to leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and jungle cats.
