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Earthworm Diversity in Trans-Gangetic Habitats of Haryana, India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136119, INDIA
  • 2Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136119, INDIA

Res. J. Agriculture & Forestry Sci., Volume 2, Issue (2), Pages 1-7, February,8 (2014)

Abstract

The status of earthworm biodiversity in Transgangetic plains of Eastern Haryana, (longitude 76° 27' 30'' E to 77° 36' 40'' E and latitude 29° 10' 25'' N to 30° 32' 55'' N) India has been assessed. A total of 285 different sites covering cultivated, wasteland, garden, grassland and sewage in rural, urban and sub- urban localities were surveyed. A total nine taxa of earthworms, namely Amynthas morrisi, Amynthas robustus, Lampito mauritii, Metaphire posthuma, Eutyphoeus incommodus, Eutyphoeus waltoni, Eutyphoeus nicholsoni, Octocheatona beatrix and Drawida nepalensis belonging to six genera and three families were recorded in the study area constituting 2.15 per cent of total Indian earthworm fauna. Of these nine taxa reported, three are exotic peregrine and remaining six are endemic peregrine. Out of nine, six species have been reported for most of the sampling sites (L. mauritii, M. posthuma, E. incommodus , E. waltoni and D. Nepalensis) while remaining three (A. morrisi, A. robustus, E. nicholsoni, and O. Beatrix) were limited to some specific sites in studied regions of Haryana. Earthworm diversity has been influenced directly by microclimatic factors and anthropogenic activities. Positive correlation has been observed with organic carbon, total nitrogen and moisture content. The preference for physico-chemical conditions of soil and food quality affects the distribution of earthworms in a particular area. This study contributes first hand information on earthworm fauna of the transgangetic planes and likely to add more native species to the existing ones, which are very important for vermicomposting process.

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