Why is it in the news?
Rare case of gynandromorphy found in crab species.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Gynandromorphy means presence of both male and female traits
● Found in freshwater crab species Vela carli
● Located in Silent Valley National Park (Kerala)
● First such case in Gecarcinucidae crab family
● Silent Valley lies in Nilgiri Hills of Western Ghats
● Core area of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
● Kunthipuzha River flows through the park
● Known for Lion-tailed macaque (flagship species)
● Declared National Park in 1984 after conservation movement