Rare endemic scorpion found on Silhouette
On June 30, 2009, a visit was made to the high forest of Silhouette island as part of the regular environmental monitoring of the area by Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles (NPTS). Monitoring covers climate, vegetation, insects and a special focus on sooglossid fogs.
During a search for frogs, an unexpected discovery was made with the finding of the small endemic scorpion Lychas braueri.
Although several specimens of this scorpion were collected on Mahe and Silhouette in 1905-09, it has only been seen twice since then. In 1990, one was found on Silhouette, and a second one in almost the same place in 2006.
The new finding differs from earlier records though, in that it was an adult female and 7 new-born babies. As with other scorpion species, the mother carries the young until they are old enough to live independently.
This scorpion is one of the rarest and least known of our animals. We do not even know what to call it - it is clearly not a member of the Asian genus Lychas and may turn out to be an endemic genus. Research is continuing into this question and its relationship to other scorpions. In addition, we are trying to rear the babies to learn more about the life of these rare animals.
Contributed by Dr. Justin Gerlach
Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles
Source: NATION 7-6-09