Scorpion Biodiversity in Semi-Arid Regions: A Case Study from Indapur Tehsil, Maharashtra, India

A thorough survey of scorpions was conducted in the Indapur Tehsil area of Pune district of Maharashtra, India, to document the diversity of scorpion species in the area. Surveys were conducted across various habitats, including agricultural fields, rocky terrains, scrublands, and human settlements, for one year. The survey revealed the presence of seven distinct species belonging to two families (Buthidae and Scorpionidae) and Three genera. The species recorded during the survey included Hottentotta tamulus, Hottentotta rugiscutis, Hottentotta pachyurus, Orthochirus bicolor, Orthochirus bastawadei, Deccanometrus xanthopus, and Deccanometrus phipsoni. The study found that species distribution varied across microhabitats, with Hottentotta tamulus being the most prevalent and widely distributed species, while Deccanometrus phipsoni was the rarest. The survey highlights the importance of protecting scrublands with stones, vegetated areas, and older trees with exfoliating bark for scorpion conservation. These habitats provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for scorpions, and their destruction can lead to population decline and even extinction. Future research should focus on scorpion ecology, population estimates, distribution patterns, and biogeographical dynamics to inform targeted conservation strategies. Additionally, studies on the impact of habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities on scorpion populations are necessary to develop effective conservation plans.