Scorpions: India
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
Delhi
2025/ four species living in urban, forested areas
Kushagra Dixit, March 24, 2025: The Times of India
From: Kushagra Dixit, March 24, 2025: The Times of India
New Delhi : In the first systematic survey in Delhi, scientists have found four species of scorpions living in both urban and forested areas of the city’s semi-arid ecology.
The study, by scientists Gaurav Barhadiya and Aisha Sultana from Delhi University, Pratyush P. Mohapatra from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), and Pragya Pandey and Sanjay Keshari Das from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, recorded the four species that belong to two families of scorpions.
The findings were published in a paper titled "Scorpion Fauna of Urban Delhi, India" by ZSI. The paper stated that Delhi’s semi-arid climate provides a suitable habitat for one of the most successful arachnids in terms of adaptation.
"Four species of scorpions were recorded during the study period, belonging to two families and four genera, namely Chersonesometrus fulvipes, Isometrus maculatus, Compsobuthus rugosulus, and Lychas cf. biharensis," the paper said.
The researchers added that the specimens were collected from different locations, among them Jahapanah City Forest, Aravalli Biodiversity Park and Lodhi Garden. “Scorpions were collected by lifting rocks, boulders, searching them in leaf litter, peeling the barks of trees, and finding them in preferred microhabitats,” the paper said.
“In India, scorpion diversity is represented by 153 species, of which only one species has been reported from the Union Territory of Delhi. Being the oldest arachnid group, scorpions can be an interesting model to study ecological and biogeographical affinities. However, it is evident from the review of literature that our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of scorpions in India is insufficient.... The present study was chosen to develop baseline data on scorpion faunal diversity.... Hence, this is the first scientific publication on the checklist of scorpion fauna of the state,” the study stated. The lead author, Gaurav Barhadiya, assistant professor in the department of environmental studies at Ramanujan College, got the idea to do the first-ever scientific documentation of scorpions in Delhi during his research on snakes in the city.
“Like snakes, scorpions are often feared and misunderstood, leading to their unnecessary killing. However, they play a crucial role in nature by controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. Through this research, I hope to raise awareness about their importance and encourage people to see them as a vital part of our ecosystem rather, than something to fear,” Barhadiya said.
Pratyush P. Mohapatra, a scientist from ZSI, said that while n one of the species discovered in Delhi pose a threat to humans, "studying their adaptations to coexist within a highly developed urban environment could provide valuable insights.”
Wildlife biologist Aisha Sultana pointed out that the presence of scorpion species in the restored Aravalli Biodiversity Park signals successful ecological recovery in the one-time mining site. "Their presence also indicates habitat stability and resilience, offering insights into the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Studying these species can enhance conservation strategies and urban biodiversity management," added Sultana.
