Scientists Discover Two New Freshwater Mussel Species in Manipur

Imphal: Scientists from Manipur University found two new freshwater mussel species in the region. The team used DNA testing and morphological study to verify their findings. They identified Indonaia manipurensis and Parreysia imphalensis as additions to the scientific record.

Dr. Yambem Tenjing Singh, Prof. Naorem Mohilal Meitei, Samita Sorokhaibam Devi, and Dr. Bina Loukrakpam led the study. They confirmed the status of the rare Radiatula theobaldi. These mussels filter water and cycle nutrients. The researchers noted that these creatures act as key ecosystem engineers. Their report states: "Manipur's freshwater mussel fauna represents a distinctive assemblage of endemic and allochthonous unionid species, shaped by ancient geological and biogeographical processes."

Pollution and overharvesting threaten these populations. Human interference continues to fragment their habitats. The team also tracked a leech species living inside the mantle cavity of another mussel, showcasing complex host relationships in local waters. The study results now appear in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society and Ecologica Montenegrina.