Three new species of rove beetles have been found in the Arunachal Pradesh forests by the researchers, which further highlights the abundance of the biodiversity in this region which is still largely unexplored. The publication in the journal Soil Organisms introduces the species Megalopinus arunachalensis, Megalopinus mithun, and Megalopinus micros which are members of the genus Megalopinus.
It was a joint research between the scientists at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) and the University of Tuebingen. The researchers were Hiren Gogoi, Tagam Dobiam, and Sonu Singh of RGU, professor Oliver Betz and Tobias Mainda of the German institution.
The researchers reported the newly discovered Rove beetles to occur in the forest ecosystems, especially in decomposing wood and damp litter of leaves- microhabitats which are important in the recycling of nutrients and ecological stability. The specimens were taken in the areas of biodiversity like Pakke Tiger Reserve and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
These delicate ecosystems, as the team pointed out, need to be conserved to ensure the unique flora and fauna are maintained. They also observed that Arunachal Pradesh is among the least researched areas in the diversity of insects, so it could be possible that numerous additional species await discovery in the forest.
Recording of such species is important in the dynamics of the ecosystem and reinforcement the conservation measures in the Eastern Himalayan region. In response to the discovery, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the discoveries demonstrate the remarkable natural wealth of the state and justify the use of scientific exploration and preservation of the environment.