🗞️ Why in News: Scientists discovered Mesalina bishnoi: a new lizard species from Rajasthan’s Thar Desert: marking the first confirmed Indian record of the genus Mesalina. The species was identified via DNA analysis as a cryptic species (morphologically similar to relatives but genetically distinct). The name honours the Bishnoi community, known for centuries of wildlife and tree conservation in Rajasthan.
The Discovery at a Glance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Mesalina bishnoi sp. nov. |
| Family | Lacertidae (wall lizards / sand lizards) |
| Location | Thar Desert, Rajasthan |
| Significance | First Indian record of the genus Mesalina |
| Discovery method | DNA barcoding / molecular phylogenetics: confirmed as a cryptic species |
| Eponym | Named after the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan |
What is a Cryptic Species?
A cryptic species is one that is genetically and biologically distinct from other species but is morphologically (physically) very similar, it can be confused with related species on visual examination alone. Only DNA analysis (barcoding, phylogenetics) reveals the separation.
This is increasingly important in biodiversity research: India’s species richness is significantly under-recorded because many cryptic species have not yet been separated from their look-alikes.
The Bishnoi Community: Why the Name?
The Bishnoi community, primarily based in Rajasthan and Haryana, follows the principles of Guru Jambheshwar (1451–1536) which mandate 29 tenets (bis = 20, noi = 9) prohibiting the felling of green trees and killing of animals. The community is closely associated with:
- Chipko movement precursor: the 1730 Amrita Devi Bishnoi case (363 Bishnois martyred to protect khejri trees in Jodhpur district).
- Protection of the blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in Rajasthan.
- Named species: honouring communities for conservation is increasingly practised in Indian taxonomy.
Genus Mesalina
- Distribution (globally): Arid North Africa and the Middle East; India lay outside its known range before this discovery.
- The find extends the genus’s known range significantly eastward, into the Thar.
- The Thar Desert’s herpetofauna is relatively understudied; new species are being discovered regularly as molecular tools become more accessible.
UPSC Relevance
| Paper | Relevance |
|---|---|
| GS3 | Biodiversity, new species; herpetofauna; cryptic species concept; taxonomy and DNA barcoding |
| GS1 | Bishnoi community, cultural conservation practice; Rajasthan |
| Prelims | Cryptic species; DNA barcoding; Mesalina bishnoi; Bishnoi community (Guru Jambheshwar, 29 tenets); Amrita Devi (1730); genus Mesalina (first India record) |
Facts Corner
📌 Facts Corner: Knowledgepedia
Mesalina bishnoi:
- First Indian record of genus Mesalina (family Lacertidae)
- Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan
- Type: cryptic species (genetically distinct, morphologically similar to relatives)
- Identified via DNA barcoding / molecular phylogenetics
- Named after the Bishnoi community
Bishnoi Community:
- Rajasthan + Haryana; founded by Guru Jambheshwar (1451–1536)
- 29 tenets (bis=20, noi=9); prohibits felling green trees + killing animals
- 1730: Amrita Devi: 363 Bishnois martyred protecting khejri trees
- Known for protecting blackbuck in Rajasthan
Cryptic species: genetically distinct but morphologically similar; discovered only through DNA analysis
Sources: The Hindu, Current Science Journal
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