Sat Nov 01 11:45:09 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
Researchers from India and South Korea have discovered a new genus and species of freshwater crab, Patithelphusa yercaudensis, in the Shevaroy Hills of Yercaud, India. The discovery, published in ZooKeys, highlights the unique biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats and the importance of protecting these isolated ecosystems. The crab’s evolution is likely tied to the topographical isolation of the Shevaroy Hills, leading to genetic divergence. The discovery brings the total number of freshwater crab species recorded in India to 112.
News Article:
New Crab Species Discovered in Indian Hills, Highlighting Biodiversity Hotspot
CHENNAI, November 1, 2025 – A new genus and species of freshwater crab has been discovered in the Shevaroy Hills of Yercaud, Salem district, researchers announced today. The discovery, made during a zoological survey by a joint team from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, and Pukyong National University, South Korea, underscores the rich and often overlooked biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.
The crab, named Patithelphusa yercaudensis, belongs to the newly established genus Patithelphusa, which has been named in honour of prominent Indian taxonomist Sameer Kumar Pati. Specimens were found in a muddy microhabitat near a rocky stream, over 1,400 metres above sea level. Detailed morphological and genetic analysis, published in the international journal ZooKeys, revealed that Patithelphusa yercaudensis is genetically and morphologically distinct from other known crab species.
Researchers believe that the crab’s unique evolution is linked to the geographical isolation of the Shevaroy Hills, cut off from surrounding mountain ranges by deep valleys and the Cauvery River system. This isolation likely restricted gene flow, allowing the crab population to evolve independently.
“This discovery highlights the ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats, a region that remains less studied than the Western Ghats,” said Dr. Santanu Mitra from ZSI, one of the study’s lead authors. “The diversity of freshwater crabs in the Indian subcontinent is still being uncovered, and this finding underscores the need for continued surveys and conservation efforts.”
With this discovery, the number of freshwater crab species recorded in India rises to 112, solidifying the country’s position as a significant contributor to global freshwater crab diversity. The researchers warn that these delicate ecosystems face increasing pressures from tourism and land-use changes, emphasizing the urgent need for protecting hill-stream habitats like those found in Yercaud.
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