A Rare Case of the Presence of Ocelli in a Worker of Aenictus pachycerus (F. Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
The worker caste in species of the genus Aenictus Shuckard, 1840 is entirely blind, devoid of compound eyes and ocelli. In contrast, males of the same species possess large compound eyes and three prominent ocelli, which facilitate orientation and navigation during nuptial flights. In a rare observation, the presence of ocelli was documented in a […]
Tough Toad Ahead: Ontogenetic Variation in Thermal Tolerance Defines Life-stage Vulnerability in Duttaphrynus Melanostictu
Environmental temperature can critically impact the performance and survival of ectotherms. Assessing the ability to tolerate increasing temperatures and determining coping strategies, especially in vulnerable taxa such as amphibians, is therefore crucial. Yet, little is known about the thermal traits of amphibians in megadiverse regions such as Asia.
Technopolitics of water appropriation: How Mumbai claims hydrological dominance
Examines water appropriation at the metropolitan scale, foregrounding inequities in intra-metropolitan water distribution Mumbai appropriated water within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region through formal planning mechanisms A river basin development approach was strategically used to control mainland water resources for a city on an island Water originally reserved for irrigation was diverted to Mumbai by framing […]
Technopolitics of water appropriation: How Mumbai claims hydrological dominance in its metropolitan region
Increasing urbanisation and unsustainable water use practices are intensifying water demand in cities, with over 80 large cities worldwide experiencing severe water shortages over the past two decades.In the past, cities could tap unclaimed water resources. However, with increasing water demand from urban, industrial, and irrigation sectors, along with growing competition for water, this is […]
Reading the Aravallis through maps and law [Analysis]

A spatial analysis across Aravalli states shows profound consequences of reframing the definition of what counts as a hill and range in one of the world’s oldest mountain systems. In Rajasthan, over 70% of the current Aravalli extent would lose protection with the new definition, if passed. In Gujarat and Haryana, the figure rises to […]
“Two new species of army ants belonging to the genus Aenictus Shuckard 1840 from the Eastern Ghats of India”

Academic description of Aenictus chittoorensis and Aenictus lankamallensis.
Two new species of army ants belonging to the genus Aenictus Shuckard 1840 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Eastern Ghats of India
These two new species of the army ant genus Aenictus (Shuckard, 1840), Aenictus chittoorensis sp. nov. and Aenictus lankamallensis sp. nov., are described from Andhra Pradesh, India, based on the worker caste. Aenictus chittoorensis sp. nov. belongs to the Aenictus philippinensis group, while A. lankamallensis sp. nov. belongs to the Aenictus javanus group. This study […]
Effect of Altruistic Surrogacy of Treefall on Herbaceous Flora Colonisation in Subalpine Forest of KhangchendzongaBiosphere Reserve, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India

The present study represents the herb species’ colonisation on the fallen trees in the subalpine forests in the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) West Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas. Around 5 per cent of the forest floor was taken up by fallen logs in various stages of decomposition. The study indicated that there must be no less than […]
Effect of Altruistic Surrogacy of Treefall on Herbaceous Flora Colonisation in Subalpine Forest of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India
The present study represents the herb species’ colonisation on the fallen trees in the subalpine forests in the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) West Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas. Around 5 per cent of the forest floor was taken up by fallen logs in various stages of decomposition. The study indicated that there must be no less than […]
Nature-based solutions and urban biodiversity conservation in the Global South

An analysis of 55 studies shows that nature-based solutions in the Global South positively impact biodiversity while delivering climate and social co-benefits.