Discovery of Pilia malenadu: A New Jumping Spider Species in the Western Ghats -

Why in News

Researchers have discovered a new species of jumping spider belonging to the Pilia genus in Madhugundi village, Chikkamagaluru district (Karnataka).The species has been named Pilia malenadu — honouring the region of its discovery, Malenadu, which refers to the hilly, forested area of the Western Ghats

Background

The Western Ghats, one of the eight “hottest biodiversity hotspots” in the world, continues to surprise scientists with new species discoveries every year.

The Pilia genus of spiders was last recorded 123 years ago (in 1902) in Kerala.
This makes Pilia malenadu the first discovery of the genus after more than a century.
The finding has been published in Zootaxa, an international scientific journal dedicated to taxonomy (the science of naming and classifying organisms).

Do You Know?
Genus: In biology, a genus is a group of closely related species.
Example: Humans belong to the genus Homo and species sapiens, hence Homo sapiens.

What Makes This Discovery Unique

**New Addition to the Pilia Genus**

The Pilia genus belongs to the family Salticidae, commonly called jumping spiders, known for their excellent vision and agile movements.

For the first time, researchers have found both male and female specimens of this genus —

17 males
3 females
4 juveniles

This provides a complete understanding of the species’ morphology and behavior.

Habitat Specificity

The Pilia malenadu was found only on two plant species:

Memecylon umbellatum
Memecylon malabaricum

This indicates strong habitat specificity, meaning the spider thrives only in certain ecological conditions.

Do You Know?
Habitat Specific Species → organisms that can survive only in particular habitats or environmental conditions.
Example: The Lion-tailed macaque also found in Western Ghats depends exclusively on tropical rainforests.

Ecological Significance

Indicator of a Healthy Ecosystem
The discovery of such a rare species shows that Madhugundi village’s ecosystem remains ecologically balanced — with minimal pollution, good vegetation, and stable microclimate.

“The discovery of rare species indicates a healthy ecosystem and stresses the need to retain it,” said Ajith Padiyar, the naturalist who spotted the spider.

Endemism and Biodiversity
Since Pilia malenadu is found only in the Western Ghats, it is likely endemic to the region — meaning it naturally exists nowhere else on Earth.

Do You Know?
Endemic Species → species that are native to a specific place and not found elsewhere.
Example: The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats.

Conservation Concerns

Since Pilia malenadu lives only on two plant species, any deforestation or habitat destruction could wipe out its population.
The species’ discovery serves as a warning and reminder that conserving microhabitats is as important as protecting large forests.

Do You Know?
Western Ghats Ecology:

Covers 1,60,000 sq. km across 6 states.
Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Home to more than 7,400 plant species and 139 mammal species, with high levels of endemism.

The Eight “Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots” of the World
The term “biodiversity hotspot” was introduced by Norman Myers (1988) to identify regions rich in endemic species but threatened by habitat loss.
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must have:
1️.At least 1,500 endemic plant species, and
2️.Lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.
The Eight Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots of the World
No.
Biodiversity Hotspot
Location/Region
Key Features
1
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
India & Sri Lanka
High endemism in flora and fauna; home to species like Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Malabar civet.
2
Himalaya
India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Pakistan
Includes Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma transition zone; rich in orchids and rhododendrons.
3
Indo-Burma
Northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
One of the most threatened hotspots due to deforestation.
4
Sundaland
Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei
Includes Borneo and Sumatra; home to orangutans and rafflesia.
5
Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands
Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles
Over 90% species found nowhere else; highly threatened.
6
Tropical Andes
Western South America (Venezuela to Bolivia)
Highest plant diversity on Earth; origin of potato and tomato species.
7
Mesoamerica
Central America (Mexico to Panama)
Cloud forests and coral reefs; endangered by agriculture and logging.
8
Caribbean Islands
Greater and Lesser Antilles
High reptile and amphibian endemism; coral reefs under stress.
Do You Know?- India has 4 biodiversity hotspots:
1️.Western Ghats
2️.Himalaya
3️.Indo-Burma
4️.Sundaland (includes Nicobar Islands)
Together, they make India one of the 17 “megadiverse countries” in the world — hosting about 7–8% of the world’s recorded species while occupying only 2.4% of the Earth’s land area.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q1. With reference to the recently discovered Pilia malenadu, consider the following statements:

It is a newly discovered species of jumping spider found in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka.
The species was found only on Memecylon umbellatum and Memecylon malabaricum plant species, indicating habitat specificity.
The genus Pilia was last recorded from India more than a century ago.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Biodiversity Hotspots

With reference to the biodiversity hotspots of India, consider the following statements:

The Western Ghats is one of the four biodiversity hotspots present in India.
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must have at least 1,500 endemic plant species and must have lost at least 70% of its original vegetation.
The Indo-Burma hotspot includes parts of Northeast India.