Why In News?

The discovery of two new terrestrial snail species—Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido—was published in the Biodiversity Data Journal.

About Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido

Location & Habitat

  • Country: Found in north-western Montenegro.  

  • Specific Habitats:

    • Cochlostoma dobrido: Discovered in the high-altitude mountain plain of the Dobri Do plateau, situated within Durmitor National Park.

    • Cochlostoma komarnica: Discovered in the nearby Komarnica Canyon.

  • Ecological Niche: They live on limestone rocks (karst topography) and primarily feed on algae and lichens. 

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Key Features

  • Taxonomy: They belong to the genus Cochlostoma (Family: Cochlostomatidae), which consists of terrestrial, operculate gastropod molluscs.

  • Physical Profile: These are small snails with conical, ribbed shells measuring roughly 7 mm in length. Both species have a closed umbilicus and lack orange spots, separating them from other related regional species. 

Significance 

Bioindicators of Ecological Stability: Snails belong to a category known as slow-migrating gastropods. Because they move incredibly slowly and cannot easily escape environmental degradation, they serve as excellent indicators of habitat continuity and long-term ecological stability. 

Environmental Conservation: The Komarnica Canyon and the surrounding areas are facing human-induced threats, particularly from planned hydroelectric dam projects and infrastructure development.

  • The discovery of endemic micro-species strengthens the ecological case for preserving these threatened, pristine river valleys. 

Source: SCIENCEDAILY

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The terms "Cochlostoma komarnica" and "Cochlostoma dobrido", recently seen in the news, refer to:

(a) Newly discovered species of high-altitude lichens in the Western Ghats.

(b) Invasive species of freshwater fish in the Mediterranean Sea.

(c) Newly identified land snail species found in the Balkan region.

(d) Prehistoric hominid fossils discovered in Eastern Europe.

Answer: C

Explanation:  

The terms Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido refer to (c) Newly identified land snail species found in the Balkan region (specifically in northern Montenegro's Komarnica Canyon and Durmitor National Park).