- Scientists discovered a new species of freshwater fish namely Pristolepis pentacantha in Wayanad, which is known as Aattuchemballi locally, and are used as food and ornamental purposes.
- It has five spines in its anal fin (pente – 5, kantha – thorn)
- The body is grayish and the dorsal fin orange in colour.
- The rare tree Gnidia glauca var. Sisparensi was rediscovered in the Muthikulam High Value Biodiversity Area after a gap of 148 years. However only 3 of them were found during field studies.
- Known as Nanju locally, the common variety is considered a powerful vesicant (produces several blisters) and is used as fish poison. Its stem, leaves and flowers have anti-diabetic properties.
- It is found only in upper grassland areas above 2000m and produces yellow flowers from September to December.
- The discoveries have highlighted the undiscovered biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/researchers-unravel-more-of-western-ghats-diversity/article6297352.ece