The fragmented forests of the highest ranges of the Western Ghats have revealed a secret that is

music to the ears of naturalists. Researchers exploring these “sky islands” have designated two
new endemic genera and a new species of songbird. The research published in the latest issue of
BMC Evolutionary Biology was undertaken by V. V. Robin; Sushma Reddy; C .K. Vishnudas;
Pooja Gupta; Frank E. Rheindt; Daniel M. Hooper and Uma Ramakrishnan.The team has
designated two new genera, the Western Ghats shortwings as Sholicola (closely related to
flycatchers) and the laughing thrushes as Montecincla (closely related to babblers. The newly
described Sholicola ashambuensis is confined to the Agasthyar Malai mountain ranges.
The species in the Montecincla genera include Montecincla jerdoni, Montecincla cachinnans,
Montecincla fairbanki and Montecincla meridionalis belongs to Montecincla genus. Sholicola
major and Sholicola albiventris belongs to Sholicola genus. ‘Though many people had noted
some differences in feather patterns across populations in different mountain tops or “sky
islands”, they were still considered a single species. It wasn’t until we had genetic data that we
realised the traditional story was wrong,’ said Mr. Robin.

The taxonomy of the birds also posed a challenge to the researchers. What used to be called
Western Ghats shortwings are actually flycatchers, and what used to be called laughing thrushes
are actually more closely related to other babblers, Mr. Robin added. “When we reconstructed
their genetic relationships, it was clear that these two lineages were very different from the
genera in which they were previously placed” Ms. Reddy said. Another lucky break was the
discovery of old forgotten specimens in the Trivandrum Natural History Museum. “They were
locked away in a cabinet and forgotten for nearly 100 years. When I found them in 2009, I never
thought that it would lead to the discovery of a new species!” Mr. Vishnudas said. ‘For Western
Ghats, already known for its rich and unique biodiversity, we have just increased the number of
bird species found nowhere else in the world and each of these now have narrower distribution’,
said Ms. Ramakrishnan. These birds live in the most vulnerable part of the ecosystem —
fragmented forest patches on the highest peaks of the range — that is facing increasing pressure
from humans activities and climate change. Ms. Ramakrishnan expressed the hope that the the
knowledge of their distinct evolution and ecology would help to increase conservation efforts.

Bhangar, Jan. 27: Protesters at Bhangar in South 24-Parganas today removed blockades on an arterial
road, citing inconvenience to people. But several villagers said the move to block the Haroa-Lauhati road
twice and remove the blockades at will was an attempt to send a message to the Bengal government on
who was in control of the area. Trinamul MLA Sabyasachi Dutta, who tried to remove the blocks
yesterday, had to run into a power substation, which has been at the centre of the Bhangar flare-up, as
villagers surrounded him. Around 200 policemen rushed to the substation and rescued Dutta.

Bhangar has been tense for around a week after protests over land acquisition for the substation and
more compensation snowballed into a clash with the police last week. Two persons died during the
clash."The Haroa-Lauhati road is an important thoroughfare and common people depend on it. We do
not want to put the people of the area in trouble by keeping the road blocked for days," said Allek
Chakrabarty, a leader of the Naxalite outfit, CPI(ML) Red Star.Chakrabarty has been camping in the area
for months and spearheading the movement over the substation."It is a message to the Trinamul
government about who is in charge here," said a villager and member of the outfit. In Calcutta's Red
Road, chief minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the flare-up without naming Bhangar."In one
incident, two police vehicles were set on fire. The government is not taking this lightly and serious action
will be initiated. We have no money to buy new police vehicles," she said at an event to celebrate the
Khadya Sathi scheme. The chief minister also said the government would bring a new law to deter
people from damaging property. This morning, hundreds of villagers assembled on the Haroa-Lauhati
road and removed the 18 blockades that were put up along the 4km stretch. The blockades were put up
on Wednesday after the police arrested Sarmistha Chowdhury, a leader of the CPI(ML) Red Star who has
been supporting the movement. After removing the blocks today, around 5,000 villagers took out a rally.
CPI(ML) Red Star leader Chakrabarty warned the government against using force on the protesters. He
said a procession involving the protesters from Bhangar and supporters of the movement would be
taken out in Calcutta on Monday. "If the police and outsiders try to act tough again, we will immediately
intensify our movement," he said.

The police today carried out confidence-building measures in Bhangar, urging the people to maintain
peace and assuring the villagers of the district administration's support. They also urged the people not
to entertain "outsiders". The government has blamed "outsiders" for fomenting the trouble in Bhangar.
Outsiders is an oblique reference to Maoist sympathisers.