Peucetia chhaparajnirvin

02.05.2024

Peucetia chhaparajnirvin

Why in the news?                  

           Daryapur-based arachnologist recently identified a green lynx spider, named Peucetia chhaparajnirvin, which was never discovered earlier.

About Peucetia chhaparajnirvin:

• It is a new species of green lynx spider. The spider was found in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu district of Rajasthan.
• The spider species has been named Peucetia chhaparajnirvin after the area in Rajasthan, Tal Chhapar, where it was discovered.
• This spider is found on the green leaves of the Vachellia nilotica (babul) tree.
• Their green hue aids in blending with their surroundings and ambushing prey, while their long legs allow them to move quickly.
• This spider is nocturnal and feeds on small insects.

What are Lynx Spiders?

• Lynx spiders (family Oxyopidae) are any of several groups of active spiders(order Araneida) that do not build a nest or web but capture their prey by pouncing upon them.
• They are among the major predators of insects occurring in low shrubs and herbaceous vegetation.
• The eyes are arranged in a hexagon, and the abdomen usually tapers to a point.
• Many Lynx spider species have colorfully striped abdomens and spiky legs.

Key Facts about Tal Chhapar Sanctuary:

• It is situated on the border of the Great Indian Thar Desert.
• Tal Chhapar is a distinctive shelter of the most graceful Antelope seen in India, “the Blackbuck”.
• It was given the status of a sanctuary in 1966.

 ○Tal Chhapar was a hunting reserve of the erstwhile royal family of Bikaner.

• The “Tal” word is a Rajasthani word meaning plane land.
• This Sanctuary has nearly flat territory and a combined thin low-lying region. It has open and wide grasslands with spread Acacia and Prosopis plants that offer it a look of a characteristic Savanna.

Fauna:

• Tal Chhapar is an ideal place to see Blackbucks which are more than a thousand in number here. It is a good place to see the desert animals and reptile species.
• The sanctuary is host to about 4,000 blackbucks, over 40 species of raptors and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
• Migratory birds in the sanctuary are harriers, eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow, and little green bee-eaters, black ibis and demoiselle cranes. Other than that, skylarks, crested larks, ring doves, and brown doves can be seen throughout the year.

                                                               Source: The Times Of India