Dhaneesh Bhaskar
Other projects
8 Sep 2021
Role of Crested Pygmy Grasshoppers in Evergreen Forest Ecosystems: Ecology and Conservation
My PhD research on grasshopper diversity and ecology in Kerala's protected areas uncovered a wide range of grasshopper species, many of which are highly specialised to specific microhabitats. This foundational work emphasised the need for focused conservation of these habitats. As the Regional Vice-Chair for Asia with the IUCN SSC Grasshopper Specialist Group, I now oversee conservation efforts for grasshoppers across Asia, contributing to red list assessments and furthering our knowledge of grasshopper biodiversity. My involvement with global conservation organisations and research institutions has allowed me to deepen my expertise in grasshopper ecology, especially through museum collaborations.
Euscelimena harpago. © Dhaneesh Bhaskar.
Contrary to the common belief that grasshoppers are primarily grassland species, I identified several species associated with evergreen forests and moist ecosystems in the Western Ghats. Building on my previous work with the Deltonotus species, I am now focusing on a semi-aquatic group within the Tetrigidae family, such as Eucriotettix flavopictus, Euscelimena gavialis, and Euscelimena harpago, which thrive in pristine water bodies. These grasshoppers have adapted to spend time in aquatic environments, making them excellent bioindicators for stream health.
This project, set in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), aims to enhance the understanding and conservation of these semi-amphibious grasshoppers. It seeks to document their habitat requirements, establish their conservation status, and raise awareness about their ecological importance. By engaging conservation managers and leaders, the project will work to protect the critical freshwater ecosystems these species rely on. The findings will contribute to policy recommendations, guide habitat restoration efforts, and inform IUCN red list assessments, paving the way for more targeted conservation actions in the region. Ultimately, this project strives to generate lasting conservation impact for both the species and the vital ecosystems they inhabit.