In January 2025, a new species of  pangolin named, the Indo-Burmese pangolin, scientifically called ‘Manis indoburmanica’, was discovered by researchers at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) from Arunachal Pradesh (AR). It separated from the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) about 3.4 million years ago.
- This finding has been published in the paper ‘Indo Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica): a novel phylogenetic species of pangolin evolved in Asia’ in the German-published popular scientific journal Mammalian Biology.
About Indo-Burmese pangolin:
i.This new species belongs to the family ‘Manidae’. The scale is dark brown and dark olive brown, while the face is pinkish in color. The body is covered in bristle-like fur, just like other Asian pangolins.
ii.The species have evolved in isolation during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs due to geological and climatic changes.
- Its present range includes parts of AR and Assam, and it may also reach Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
iii.Dr. Mukesh Thakur of the ZSI led the study, which analyzed mitochondrial genomes using state-of-the-art genomic methods.
iv.The discovery of Indo-Burmese pangolin highlights the necessity of region-specific conservation initiatives while also enhancing our knowledge of Asian pangolins.
About Pangolins:
i.Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals globally.
ii.India is home to two species: the Indian Pangolin, found across the subcontinent; and the Chinese Pangolin, found across a larger area in south Asia.
- Bihar, West Bengal(WB) and Assam have both species in their States.
Note:Â World Pangolin Day is observed every year on the third Saturday in February.
Two rare Neuroptera species found in Kerala
Researchers have found two rare Order Neuroptera species, ‘Glenochrysa zeylanica’ and ‘Indophanes barbara’ from Kerala.
- The findings were produced by the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) research team at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Kerala.
- The findings are published in the recent issue of the two international scientific journals: Journal of the Entomological Research Society and Natura Somogyiensis.
About Glenochrysa zeylanica:
i.Glenochrysa zeylanica is a green lacewing of the Chrysopidae family in Order Neuroptera.
- This is the 12th green lacewing species and 8th antlion species reported from Kerala.
Note: Neuroptera is a group of insects commonly called lacewings because of the complex vein patterns in the wings, giving them a lacy appearance.
ii.The species was rediscovered after 111 years from Mananthavady and Thirunelly in Wayanad district, Kerala.
iii.This species was found for the first time in India, previously endemic to Sri Lanka.
About Indophanes barbara:
i.Indophanes barbara is an antlion belonging to the Myrmeleontidae family. It can be easily distinguished by their long distinct antennae.
- An antlion species has been identified across various locations in Kerala.
ii.Unlike common antlion species, Indophanes barbara larvae do not form pits. They are shielded from the sun, wind, and rain by living under the surface in loose soils.
