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New Freshwater Algae Species 'Sheathia rosemalayensis' Discovered in the Western Ghats.

Environment | Dated: 27 Mar 2025

In March 2025, researchers from Kothamangalam (Kerala)-based Mar Athanasius College discovered a new species of freshwater algae, "Sheathia rosemalayensis," in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The research on Sheathia rosemalayensis was published in Phycologia, an international journal dedicated to the study of algae.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis.
  • - The study was conducted by Dr. Jayalakshmi P.S., assistant professor at Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam (Kerala), and Fr. Dr. Jose John, former principal of Sacred Heart College, Thevara (Kerala).

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The species Sheathia rosemalayensis was discovered in Rosemala, located in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is named after the region, as the Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri.
  • (ii) This finding is crucial, as Sheathia species are extremely rare in India. Prior to this, only one other Sheathia species had been reported from the Himalayan region.
  • (iii) Other species in the Sheathia genus, such as S. assamica, S. indonepalensis, and S. dispersa, have a broader distribution, including Assam, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Hawaiian Archipelago.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Researchers from which Indian state recently discovered the new freshwater algae species, Sheathia rosemalayensis?

Correct Answer: Kerala

🚀 Quick Recap: