Agharkar Research Institute discovers Thelotrema maharashtrense in Western Ghats
Scientists from Pune's Agharkar Research Institute just discovered a new lichen species, Thelotrema maharashtrense, named after Maharashtra.
Found in the Western Ghats and published in Phytotaxa this April, the discovery helps scientists better understand how these unique fungi have evolved.
India's Thelotrema species total reaches 22
This brings India's total Thelotrema species to 22, with most in the Western Ghats, highlighting just how special this region is for biodiversity.
ARI Director Prashant K Dhakephalkar noted that using molecular phylogenetics was key to finding this species, calling it a first for India's Thelotrema research.
The research was supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), formerly the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), under the department of science and technology, Government of India, along with institutional support from MACS Agharkar Research Institute.