Rare bee species discovered in Arunachal's Siang Valley

Itanagar, Jul 14 (PTI) Researchers have discovered two new species of rare solitary bees in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and the need to protect the region's fragile ecosystem, officials said on Tuesday. The two species – Elaphropoda Triangulata and Habropoda Adi – were discovered by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, during the recent Siang Expedition. The findings have been published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, the officials said. The researchers said Elaphropoda Triangulata was named after the triangular markings on its abdomen, while Habropoda Adi was named in honour of the Adi indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the study, each species is currently known from only one male specimen, making the discovery significant. The researchers said more surveys are needed to understand their distribution, ecology and conservation status. Solitary bees are important pollinators that help maintain healthy ecosystems and support agriculture. Unlike honeybees, they do not live in colonies and usually nest alone. The researchers cautioned that habitat loss, infrastructure development and other human activities could threaten the survival of these newly discovered species. They stressed the need to conserve the forests and natural habitats of the Eastern Himalayas, one of the world's recognised biodiversity hotspots. The discovery adds to the growing list of new species being reported from Arunachal Pradesh, which is known for its rich wildlife and largely unexplored forests. Welcoming the development, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, in a social media post, said the discovery of the two rare solitary bee species reflects the state's extraordinary natural wealth and scientific importance. He said the findings not only highlight the exceptional biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas, but also reinforce the need to conserve the region's fragile ecosystems. Mein congratulated the researchers from ATREE for the achievement, and said such discoveries strengthen Arunachal Pradesh's position as a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, deserving sustained conservation efforts. PTI UPL RBT