GUWAHATI: Researchers at Dibrugarh University have made a significant discovery in the Brahmaputra River basin of Assam, identifying two new genera of freshwater mussels: Pseudoscabies and Assamnaia, as per reports, on Tuesday, May 21.
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Notably, Assamnaia was believed to be extinct for the past 168 years, making its rediscovery a landmark event in biodiversity conservation. The research team, reportedly led by Jyotish Sonowal from the Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and Prof. Devid Kardong from the Department of Life Sciences, worked in collaboration with Ivan Bolotov from the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Their groundbreaking findings were published in the prestigious Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
“Assamnaia’s reappearance after over a century underscores Assam’s remarkable biodiversity. It emphasises the urgent need to protect and conserve the region’s natural treasures for future generations. Both Pseudoscabies and Assamnaia are endemic to Assam, solidifying its position as a global hotspot for freshwater mussel diversity. This discovery also showcases nature’s resilience and the intricate web of life within our freshwater ecosystems,” said Prof. Kardong.
The uncovering of Pseudoscabies and Assamnaia marks a significant milestone in biodiversity research. The researchers hope this finding will raise awareness about safeguarding Assam’s fragile ecosystems and inspire further studies into the region’s rich biodiversity.
“These new genera exemplify Assam’s unique aquatic environments and the importance of regional biodiversity conservation. As we continue to unveil the wonders of the natural world, collaboration is crucial to ensure the long-term survival of all species, regardless of their rarity or obscurity,” Prof. Kardon added.