New Tilari Hairy Snail Species Discovered

The discovery of a new snail species named Tilari hairy snail has been announced by researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation. This species was found in the semi-evergreen Tilari forest region of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. The scientific name given is Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii sp. nov., honouring Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese animator known for his nature-themed films. This finding extends the known range of the genus Lagocheilus by 540 km northwards into the Indian Peninsula. The discovery marks the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the urgent need for conservation.

New Species Discovery and Naming

The Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii was identified as a new species after detailed research. It is a small hairy snail inhabiting leafy thickets and rocky areas in the forest. The species name honours Hayao Miyazaki, linking the discovery to his work that celebrates the harmony between humans and nature. The research article was published in the Journal of Conchology on 14 October 2025.

Geographical Significance

This is the first record of the genus Lagocheilus in the northern Western Ghats. Previously, this genus was known only from more southern parts of the Western Ghats. The finding extends the distribution range by 540 km northwards, demonstrating the unexplored diversity of the region. The Western Ghats are a recognised biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species.

Habitat and Ecology

The new snail species lives in semi-evergreen forests, specifically in the Tilari forest area of Kolhapur district. It prefers moist leafy ground and rocky substrates. Such microhabitats are crucial for its survival. The species plays a role in the local ecosystem, possibly in nutrient recycling and soil health, though detailed ecological roles remain to be studied.

Conservation Concerns

The habitat of Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii is limited and under threat from wildfires and deforestation. These pressures endanger the species and may lead to extinction without intervention. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the fragile forest ecosystem. Researchers emphasise the importance of further studies on snails to understand their ecological roles and to promote biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.

Research and Future Directions

The discovery was made by a team including Amrut Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray, Swapnil Pawar, and Akshay Khandekar from Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, along with Dr Dinarzarde Raheem from Sri Lanka. More research is needed to explore the diversity of snails in the Western Ghats. This will help in assessing conservation priorities and understanding ecosystem health.