🗞️ 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
Source: Mesalina bishnoi — First Record of the Genus Mesalina in India — Ujiyari.com | Free UPSC & State PCS Current Affairs
