Latest news with #Gondwanan
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Zoological Survey of India develops DNA barcodes for 169-year-old spiny tree mouse species
Bengaluru: Nearly two centuries after discovering a species in the biological hotspot of the Western Ghats, scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) successfully generated DNA barcodes for the Malabar spiny tree mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus) — often hailed as a 'living fossil'. The DNA barcoding, similar to generating an Aadhaar number for citizens, paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history of these species. Sources in ZSI told TOI though the species was discovered in 1856, it had no individual identity as a species and was categorised under the subfamily of Typhlomys, the Chinese pygmy dormouse, due to similar features. However, scientists have now successfully uncovered the polymorphism features of these species. "The DNA barcoding and generation of the genetic data for these mouse species have established that these species are much more ancient than their Chinese counterparts that were documented in recent centuries," said Dr KP Dinesh, a scientist from ZSI, western regional centre, Pune. These frugivorous species live in tree holes and are nocturnal in nature. "They are distributed across forests between Kodagu in Karnataka and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Unlike all the species that have undergone morphological changes as part of evolution, these spiny tree mice have not undergone any change. Hence, they are referred to as living fossils," explained Dr Dinesh. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "The molecular dating suggests the origin of the ancestors of these spiny tree mice dates back to the Eocene period (56 to 33.9 million years ago), which is likely a Gondwanan relic that persisted in the Western Ghats. Hence, the present lineage of Platacanthomys could be a relict taking refuge in the hill ranges of the Western Ghats, whose ancestors might have gone extinct due to various geological events in the past," he said. The latest specimen of the Malabar spiny tree mouse was sourced from Suryamudi in Wayanad district of Kerala during a periodic survey on small mammals. Subsequently, scientists from ZSI's western regional centre, Western Ghats regional centre in Kozhikode, and southern regional centre in Chennai collaborated for the study and published the findings in the Journal of Animal Diversity. Dr Dhiriti Banerjee, director of ZSI, said this genetic data on these historic and enigmatic species is vital, especially in the backdrop of climate change. Dr SS Talmale, the lead author, highlighted the immediate need for targeted habitat conservation of these species that live within 50 metres to 2,270 metres altitude. "They have already been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Act 1972," he pointed out. Another scientist, Dr MJ Palot, described it as a very elusive and rare species. "Despite years of fieldwork, I have seen it only a few times, and the recovery of a specimen at Suryamudi is indeed a rare chance."
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Scientists trace ancient origins of elusive Western Ghats Tree Mouse
In a groundbreaking discovery that redefines the evolutionary history of a rare rodent species, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have successfully decoded the DNA of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus), a species endemic to the Western Ghats. This marks the first-ever generation of DNA barcodes for the elusive species, placing it within a clearer taxonomic framework and revealing its lineage as an ancient Gondwanan relic. Molecular dating from this new research places the origin of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse's ancestors in the Eocene period, between 56 to 33.9 million years ago, indicating that the species likely survived major geological transformations while taking refuge in the forested hill ranges of the Western Ghats. (HT PHOTO) The collaborative study, published in the latest July edition of the peer-reviewed 'Journal of Animal Diversity' from Lorestan University, Iran, involved researchers from various ZSI regional centres, including S S Talmale, K P Dinesh, and A Shabnam from the Western Regional Centre, Pune; Jafer Palot from the Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode; and K A Subramanian from the Southern Regional Centre, Chennai. Although Platacanthomys lasiurus was first described in 1859, it has taken nearly 166 years to generate its genetic data. Molecular dating from this new research places the origin of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse's ancestors in the Eocene period, between 56 to 33.9 million years ago, indicating that the species likely survived major geological transformations while taking refuge in the forested hill ranges of the Western Ghats. The mouse is believed to be a living fossil, with no close relatives in India. A similar-looking rodent, the Chinese Pygmy Dormouse (Typhlomys), is found in China and Vietnam. However, molecular analysis shows that the two species are not monophyletic - meaning they do not share a recent common ancestor - supporting their placement in separate families. The lineage of Typhlomys is estimated to have diverged during the Miocene period, much later than Platacanthomys. The discovery was made during a small mammal survey near Suryamudi in the southern Western Ghats, specifically in Kerala's Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The collected specimen is now housed in the National Zoological Collection at ZSI's Western Regional Centre in Pune for future reference and study. Dhiriti Banerjee, director of the Zoological Survey of India, emphasised the importance of such studies in the context of climate change. She stated that integrative approaches, combining traditional taxonomy with molecular tools, are vital for informing conservation strategies and ensuring the survival of vulnerable species. Lead author Dr S S Talmale highlighted that habitat degradation remains the primary threat to the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse, which is listed as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Found at elevations ranging from 50 to 2,270 metres, the species has a fragmented and highly-restricted distribution. It is also listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, which offers legal protection and underscores the urgent need for habitat conservation. Co-author Dr K A Subramanian noted that the study reinforces the theory that the southern Western Ghats served as a biological refugium during the breakup of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent, supporting ancient lineages that are otherwise extinct elsewhere. Dr M J Palot described the field discovery of the specimen as a rare and emotional moment, adding that the opportunity to sequence its DNA has deepened scientific understanding of the region's evolutionary heritage. Dr K P Dinesh added that molecular tools such as DNA barcoding and phylogenetics are crucial for studying relict species like Platacanthomys lasiurus. These techniques not only uncover hidden evolutionary pathways but also aid in precise taxonomic classification and targeted conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots. The findings not only elevate the conservation significance of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse but also open new avenues for research into its ecological history. The study is expected to inspire young researchers and students to explore the evolutionary mysteries of the Western Ghats, a region increasingly being recognised as a treasure trove of ancient and unique biodiversity.
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Leader Live
Grade I listed landscape gets ‘garden for the future' in face of climate change
The new 'garden for the future' in Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex, is the first major refresh in the historic landscape influenced by the likes of Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, since it was acquired by the conservation charity in 1954. The National Trust said the new planting, designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning designer Joe Perkins, would follow in the tradition of Sheffield Park and Garden's history as a place of new landscape design and experimental planting. The new garden for the future occupies a half-an-acre corner previously used for propagation of plants, with planting from around the world to showcase to visitors how plants can adapt to different environments. It will also support succession planting plans and future garden developments, the National Trust said as it grapples with the impacts of climate change such as hotter, drier summers and more extreme weather events on its gardens. The trust said significant specimens in the collection at Sheffield Park have suffered with extremes in temperature and rainfall in recent years, and some are nearing the end of their natural life. The new site harks back to Arthur Gilstrap Soames who indulged his passion for horticulture in the 120-acre garden more than a century ago with innovate and bold colour schemes, new plant hybrids and experimental planting of species from around the world. Head gardener Jodie Hilton said: 'The new garden provides an opportunity to engage visitors with a different style of planting, adapted to a different climate and planting environment, than they might see in the rest of the landscape at Sheffield Park, while taking inspiration from the garden surrounding it. 'We hope visitors will take a moment to pause and reflect in nature, in a corner of the landscape that was often overlooked until now.' The new garden includes a dry exotic area planted mostly in raised beds to allow the use of species from sub-alpine habitats of parts of Tasmania, New Zealand, central and southern Chile and southern Argentina. A second area focuses more on southern hemisphere temperate forest, inspired by the mid-altitude hill forests of central Chile and Argentina, with many species originating from the 'Gondwanan' supercontinent which once linked Australasia with South America, Africa, India and Antarctica. And a final area focuses on temperate woodland in a space mostly under the existing tree canopy, with ground covering ferns, shade-tolerant grasses and perennial forget-me-not, along with woodland shrubs such as azalea, the trust said. Once the plants are established, the team behind the garden will begin to test tolerance to drought and extreme temperatures, with planting in raised beds enabling the testing of exotic species and resilience to drier soils. Mr Perkins said resilience was a 'core principle' of the planting scheme. 'Early on, we identified the need for plants which can tolerate both extended periods of drought, and potentially heat, as well as cold winter temperatures. 'We've created different planting habitats which will allow the team to explore plants from around the world that could be better adapted to future conditions. 'From drier raised beds to shadier, wetter woodland planting, we're continuing with Arthur Soames' experimental approach as we tackle the challenges and opportunities that climate change is predicted to bring us,' he said. Sheila Das, National Trust head of gardens and parks, said: 'The team at Sheffield Park are bringing huge energy to an already stunning landscape. 'Our gardens never sit still so, to keep enjoying the garden's beauty into the future, we must constantly experiment. She added: 'In the wider garden, the team are looking into how the planting can be adapted for the future and in the garden for the future, visitors can enjoy a brand-new concept that sits well in the landscape but brings something new and inspiring.'
South Wales Guardian
09-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Grade I listed landscape gets ‘garden for the future' in face of climate change
The new 'garden for the future' in Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex, is the first major refresh in the historic landscape influenced by the likes of Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, since it was acquired by the conservation charity in 1954. The National Trust said the new planting, designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning designer Joe Perkins, would follow in the tradition of Sheffield Park and Garden's history as a place of new landscape design and experimental planting. The new garden for the future occupies a half-an-acre corner previously used for propagation of plants, with planting from around the world to showcase to visitors how plants can adapt to different environments. It will also support succession planting plans and future garden developments, the National Trust said as it grapples with the impacts of climate change such as hotter, drier summers and more extreme weather events on its gardens. The trust said significant specimens in the collection at Sheffield Park have suffered with extremes in temperature and rainfall in recent years, and some are nearing the end of their natural life. The new site harks back to Arthur Gilstrap Soames who indulged his passion for horticulture in the 120-acre garden more than a century ago with innovate and bold colour schemes, new plant hybrids and experimental planting of species from around the world. Head gardener Jodie Hilton said: 'The new garden provides an opportunity to engage visitors with a different style of planting, adapted to a different climate and planting environment, than they might see in the rest of the landscape at Sheffield Park, while taking inspiration from the garden surrounding it. 'We hope visitors will take a moment to pause and reflect in nature, in a corner of the landscape that was often overlooked until now.' The new garden includes a dry exotic area planted mostly in raised beds to allow the use of species from sub-alpine habitats of parts of Tasmania, New Zealand, central and southern Chile and southern Argentina. A second area focuses more on southern hemisphere temperate forest, inspired by the mid-altitude hill forests of central Chile and Argentina, with many species originating from the 'Gondwanan' supercontinent which once linked Australasia with South America, Africa, India and Antarctica. And a final area focuses on temperate woodland in a space mostly under the existing tree canopy, with ground covering ferns, shade-tolerant grasses and perennial forget-me-not, along with woodland shrubs such as azalea, the trust said. Once the plants are established, the team behind the garden will begin to test tolerance to drought and extreme temperatures, with planting in raised beds enabling the testing of exotic species and resilience to drier soils. Mr Perkins said resilience was a 'core principle' of the planting scheme. 'Early on, we identified the need for plants which can tolerate both extended periods of drought, and potentially heat, as well as cold winter temperatures. 'We've created different planting habitats which will allow the team to explore plants from around the world that could be better adapted to future conditions. 'From drier raised beds to shadier, wetter woodland planting, we're continuing with Arthur Soames' experimental approach as we tackle the challenges and opportunities that climate change is predicted to bring us,' he said. Sheila Das, National Trust head of gardens and parks, said: 'The team at Sheffield Park are bringing huge energy to an already stunning landscape. 'Our gardens never sit still so, to keep enjoying the garden's beauty into the future, we must constantly experiment. She added: 'In the wider garden, the team are looking into how the planting can be adapted for the future and in the garden for the future, visitors can enjoy a brand-new concept that sits well in the landscape but brings something new and inspiring.'
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Grade I listed landscape gets ‘garden for the future' in face of climate change
The new 'garden for the future' in Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex, is the first major refresh in the historic landscape influenced by the likes of Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, since it was acquired by the conservation charity in 1954. The National Trust said the new planting, designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning designer Joe Perkins, would follow in the tradition of Sheffield Park and Garden's history as a place of new landscape design and experimental planting. The new garden sits within the wider Grade I listed landscape at Sheffield Park and Garden (National Trust Images/James Dobson/PA) The new garden for the future occupies a half-an-acre corner previously used for propagation of plants, with planting from around the world to showcase to visitors how plants can adapt to different environments. It will also support succession planting plans and future garden developments, the National Trust said as it grapples with the impacts of climate change such as hotter, drier summers and more extreme weather events on its gardens. The trust said significant specimens in the collection at Sheffield Park have suffered with extremes in temperature and rainfall in recent years, and some are nearing the end of their natural life. The new site harks back to Arthur Gilstrap Soames who indulged his passion for horticulture in the 120-acre garden more than a century ago with innovate and bold colour schemes, new plant hybrids and experimental planting of species from around the world. The new garden sits within the wider Grade I listed landscape at Sheffield Park and Garden (National Trust Images/James Dobson/PA) Head gardener Jodie Hilton said: 'The new garden provides an opportunity to engage visitors with a different style of planting, adapted to a different climate and planting environment, than they might see in the rest of the landscape at Sheffield Park, while taking inspiration from the garden surrounding it. 'We hope visitors will take a moment to pause and reflect in nature, in a corner of the landscape that was often overlooked until now.' The new garden includes a dry exotic area planted mostly in raised beds to allow the use of species from sub-alpine habitats of parts of Tasmania, New Zealand, central and southern Chile and southern Argentina. A second area focuses more on southern hemisphere temperate forest, inspired by the mid-altitude hill forests of central Chile and Argentina, with many species originating from the 'Gondwanan' supercontinent which once linked Australasia with South America, Africa, India and Antarctica. And a final area focuses on temperate woodland in a space mostly under the existing tree canopy, with ground covering ferns, shade-tolerant grasses and perennial forget-me-not, along with woodland shrubs such as azalea, the trust said. Once the plants are established, the team behind the garden will begin to test tolerance to drought and extreme temperatures, with planting in raised beds enabling the testing of exotic species and resilience to drier soils. Mr Perkins said resilience was a 'core principle' of the planting scheme. 'Early on, we identified the need for plants which can tolerate both extended periods of drought, and potentially heat, as well as cold winter temperatures. 'We've created different planting habitats which will allow the team to explore plants from around the world that could be better adapted to future conditions. 'From drier raised beds to shadier, wetter woodland planting, we're continuing with Arthur Soames' experimental approach as we tackle the challenges and opportunities that climate change is predicted to bring us,' he said. The garden will test out the resilience of plants to different conditions (National Trust Images/James Dobson/PA) Sheila Das, National Trust head of gardens and parks, said: 'The team at Sheffield Park are bringing huge energy to an already stunning landscape. 'Our gardens never sit still so, to keep enjoying the garden's beauty into the future, we must constantly experiment. She added: 'In the wider garden, the team are looking into how the planting can be adapted for the future and in the garden for the future, visitors can enjoy a brand-new concept that sits well in the landscape but brings something new and inspiring.'
