The habitat preference and population diversity of scorpions in Kesnand-Wadebolhai, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Scorpions play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, serving as both predators and prey and also play asignificant role in biodiversity. This study explores the diversity, habitat preferences, and seasonal distribution of scorpions inthe Kesanand-Wadebolhai region, located in eastern Pune, Maharashtra, India. A systematic survey was conducted betweenJune 2023 and May 2024, focusing on five prominent scorpion species belonging to the families Buthidae (Hottentotta tamulus,Orthochirus bicolor) and family Scorpionidae (Heterometrus xanthopus, Heterometrus fulvipes and Deccanometrus phipsoni).The research employed active searching and pitfall trapping techniques to gather data on species richness, seasonal variations,population densities, and habitat associations. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’sdiversity indices, with seasonal differences assessed through one-way ANOVA and correspondence analysis to identify habitatpreferences. The results showed distinct seasonal patterns in species distribution, with the highest species richness recordedduring the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Hottentotta tamulus and Orthochirus bicolor exhibited peak activity duringthe monsoon months, while Heterometrus fulvipes and Deccanometrus phipsoni were most active in the post-monsoonperiod. This study highlights the ecological roles of scorpions in semi-arid ecosystems and underscores the importance of theirconservation amidst increasing habitat disruption caused by human activities. The findings provide crucial insights for futurescorpion conservation efforts and contribute to a better understanding of their ecological dynamics.Keywords: Habitat Preferences; Kesanand-Wagholi; Scorpion Diversity; Seasonal Variability.