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Indian Arachnology (Order: Araneae) in the 21st Century: Trends, Gaps and Future Prospects


Affiliations
1 Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248 001, India, India
2 Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248 001, India., India
 

Although Indian Araneae research over the last 20 years has provided insights into spatio-temporal diversity patterns, we lack a methodical synthesis of the work, resulting in knowledge blind spots for answering more pressing questions of ecology and conservation for the taxon. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of the status of Indian arachnological research spanning the 21st century. We find a systematic bias in research (>80%) towards inventories and taxonomic descriptions, with little work on aspects of ecology, biogeography and phylogeny, thereby impairing conservation efforts. Compared to global research advancements, much of the Indian data seems to be qualitative with under-docu­mentation from several important ecozones, highlighting an urgent need to initiate systematic research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the Araneae fauna of the country for inclusion in conservation and policy-making.

Keywords

Arachnology, Conservation and Policy-Making, Current Trend, Ecology, Future Perspectives.
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  • Indian Arachnology (Order: Araneae) in the 21st Century: Trends, Gaps and Future Prospects

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Authors

Irina Das Sarkar
Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248 001, India, India
Manju Siliwal
Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248 001, India., India
V. P. Uniyal
Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248 001, India., India

Abstract


Although Indian Araneae research over the last 20 years has provided insights into spatio-temporal diversity patterns, we lack a methodical synthesis of the work, resulting in knowledge blind spots for answering more pressing questions of ecology and conservation for the taxon. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of the status of Indian arachnological research spanning the 21st century. We find a systematic bias in research (>80%) towards inventories and taxonomic descriptions, with little work on aspects of ecology, biogeography and phylogeny, thereby impairing conservation efforts. Compared to global research advancements, much of the Indian data seems to be qualitative with under-docu­mentation from several important ecozones, highlighting an urgent need to initiate systematic research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the Araneae fauna of the country for inclusion in conservation and policy-making.

Keywords


Arachnology, Conservation and Policy-Making, Current Trend, Ecology, Future Perspectives.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv124%2Fi11%2F1270-1281