Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species in news
Why in News?
A tiny crab displaying both male and female biological traits on the same body has been discovered in the Western Ghats.
- Vela carli – It is an endemic freshwater crab found only in the forests and streams of the Central Western Ghats.
- Location – Discovered from the tree holes in the forests of the Silent Valley National Park.
- Observation – The dual-sex condition (both male and female at the same time) was observed in three crabs found here.
Gynandromorphy – A rare condition in which individuals exhibit both male and female characteristics.
- Traits – The bodies of the crabs displayed male reproductive structures, while other parts showcased female features, including gonopores.
- Rarity – Gynandromorphy has been documented in several marine and freshwater crab families; it is the first instance observed in the family Gecarcinucidae.
- Causes – Likely, could only be from intrinsic developmental processes rather than external environmental pollution.
- Survival Strategy – The crab’s habitat was free from environmental pollutants; the reason for the phenomenon could be related to survival tactics.
- Significance – This discovery highlights the biodiversity and micro‑ecosystem richness of Silent Valley National Park.
Reference
The Hindu | Crab in Silent Valley found displaying both male & female biological traits
