Research Projects

Northeast India, a part of the Indo-Burma mega biodiversity hotspot, is known for its exceptional physiographic and ecoclimatic diversity. The region comprises of eight Indian states: Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Aruncachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland, and is home to some of the most species-rich tropical rainforests in India (Devi et al., 2012). Nagaland, characterized by hilly terrain and unique microhabitats, presents ideal conditions for a diverse range of arthropod fauna. The proposed study aims to explore and document the hidden diversity of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) across various localities in Nagaland, contributing to our limited understanding of invertebrate diversity in the region. Salticidae is the most speciose spider family in India, with 327 species in 119 genera reported so far (Caleb & Sankaran, 2025). These spiders are known for their excellent vision, agile movements, vivid coloration, and complex mating behaviours. Despite increasing research on Salticidae across India, jumping spiders from Nagaland remain poorly studied. This project aims to bridge this gap through three key objectives: (1) to study the taxonomy of jumping spiders in Nagaland and resolve species-level ambiguities using detailed morphological and molecular analysis (DNA barcoding); (2) assess diversity and distribution patterns across habitat types and elevation gradients; and (3) produce a comprehensive, illustrated field guide to the jumping spiders of Nagaland. The taxonomic component will focus on species identification using genital morphology, supplemented with COI barcoding to resolve cryptic species and assess intraspecific variation. This integrative approach will clarify relationships among morphologically similar taxa and reveal hidden diversity. The second component will assess habitat and elevational patterns in spider assemblages using systematic sampling across a gradient of over 1000 meters. Sampling methods will include sweep netting, beating, hand collection, and pitfall traps. Data will be analyzed using biodiversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Jaccard, Sørensen) and multivariate tools (PCA, NMDS) to explore species richness, community structure, and environmental drivers. The final objective is the preparation of an illustrated field guide featuring short descriptions, distribution data, high-quality habitus and genital photographs, and ecological notes. This book will serve both scientific and educational purposes for researchers, students, forest officials, and nature enthusiasts. Overall, the project aims to uncover unknown species, address taxonomic uncertainties, and provide baseline ecological data. As bioindicators, jumping spiders offer insights into habitat quality and climate sensitivity. The study will therefore contribute to biodiversity documentation, ecological modelling, conservation planning, and long-term monitoring in this fragile and vital region.