The discovery of a new ant species Polyrhachis garbhangaensis in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati has drawn attention to the often-overlooked biodiversity of urban-adjacent forest patches.
The finding underscores that even forests close to rapidly expanding cities can harbour undocumented and scientifically significant wildlife.
Discovery of Polyrhachis garbhangaensis
The newly discovered species has been named Polyrhachis garbhangaensis, after the forest where it was found.
Key Details:
- Belongs to the rare mucronata group of spiny ants
- Formally described on January 30
- Published in the international journal Asian Myrmecology
The discovery was led by Ankita Sharma from the Animal Behaviour and Cognition Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, under the supervision of Anindya Sinha.
Rare Lineage and Assam’s Ant Diversity
The mucronata group is a highly specialised and uncommon lineage within the genus Polyrhachis.
Diversity Insights:
- Only three species of the mucronata group recorded in India so far
- India hosts 70+ species of Polyrhachis ants
- Assam alone accounts for 21 species, making it a major hotspot for ant diversity
This highlights Assam’s ecological richness and the importance of systematic insect surveys.
Urbanisation and Conservation Insights
Specimens were first collected in August 2023 during field surveys in the 117 sq km Garbhanga Reserve Forest, which acts as a vital green corridor linking Guwahati with the Rani Reserve Forest.
Research Context:
- Study focused on the impact of rapid urban expansion
- Examined ant and spider communities
- Revealed that “degraded” or peripheral forests can support rare taxa
Researchers caution against dismissing peri-urban forests as ecologically insignificant.
Ecological and Policy Significance
Why This Discovery Matters:
- Demonstrates high biodiversity in urban fringes
- Supports the concept of ecological corridors
- Strengthens arguments for urban conservation planning
- Emphasises insects as indicators of ecosystem health
Ants play key roles in soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal, making their conservation critical.
Broader Conservation Message
The discovery reinforces the need to:
- Integrate biodiversity assessments into urban planning
- Protect reserve forests near cities
- Promote long-term ecological monitoring
- Recognise insects in conservation policy
Urbanisation need not be incompatible with biodiversity conservation if green spaces are preserved.
Conclusion
The discovery of Polyrhachis garbhangaensis near Guwahati highlights the hidden biodiversity potential of urban-adjacent forests. It challenges assumptions that only remote or pristine habitats yield new species and underscores the urgency of conserving peripheral green spaces. As cities expand, protecting such ecological corridors will be vital for sustaining biodiversity and ecological resilience.
📌 Exam-Oriented Facts
- Species: Polyrhachis garbhangaensis
- Group: Mucronata group of spiny ants
- Location: Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Assam
- Journal: Asian Myrmecology
- Assam Polyrhachis species: 21
- India Polyrhachis species: 70+
🧠 Prelims Practice Question
Q. With reference to Polyrhachis garbhangaensis, consider the following statements:
- It belongs to the mucronata group of ants.
- It was discovered in Garbhanga Reserve Forest near Guwahati.
- Assam accounts for more than 20 species of Polyrhachis ants.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (c)
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