The National Biodiversity Centre recently made an exciting discovery – two previously unknown species of aquatic snails in a stream near the Royal Thimphu College. Through thorough analysis of both morphological and DNA data, the research team was able to confirm the existence of these new species. This discovery is a positive indication of the health of the country’s forest ecosystem.
In May last year, Choki Gyeltshen and Phuntsho Namgyal from the National Biodiversity Centre collected specimens of the two previously unknown snail species. Following scientific confirmation, the new species were named Tricula tashiae and Erhaia benjii.
Tricula tashiae was named after Dr Tashi Yangzome Dorji, who led the National Invertebrates Inventory project in Bhutan and has played a significant role in biodiversity conservation. Dr Tashi previously served as the program director of the National Biodiversity Centre and is currently director of the Department of Livestock.
Similarly, Erhaia benjii was named to honour Dasho Paljor J. Dorji for his contributions to environmental and biodiversity conservation in the country. With the addition of these two new species, Tricula tashiae and Erhaia benjii, Bhutan’s snail species count now includes five Erhaia species and two Tricula species.
“The new species discovered in the country indicate that the forest health system is very good, and it also indicates that ecological systems or the ecological balance are good. In addition, the snail also indicates the water quality, and it can also determine whether the water can carry pesticides or infect insects or nematodes,” said Choki Gyeltshen, the deputy chief biodiversity officer of the National Biodiversity Centre.
The National Biodiversity Centre carries out sample collections regularly. After the samples are collected morphological and DNA analyses are done.
The procedure also includes comparisons with other species before concluding whether the species is new to science or the country.
“After discovering the new species, we need to publish the paper in a journal, which will be reviewed by anonymous reviewers worldwide. After their acceptance and acceptance from the journal, the paper is published and then we can authenticate that the species are new to science or new to the country,” added Choki Gyeltshen.
Snail inventory and other inventory projects have been carried out in Bhutan since 2012. Bhutan has a total of 122 snail species.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sherub Dorji
