Microfauna Hidden in Moss: First Report of Testate Amoebae from Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar, India

Moss associated testate amoebae of Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar are yet to be reported from the literature. Therefore, this article serves as the initial attempt to document and evaluate the state of species richness of testate amoebae in this sanctuary. Testate amoebae belong to the single celled organisms classified under protist fauna characterized by developing complex covering of outer chitin shells; they are renowned as bio indicators owing to their high reactivity to any changes in the environment. In September 2024, moss samples were taken from the sanctuary in a faunal survey to assess the diversity of testate amoebae in moss environments. Upon analysing these samples 17 species of testate amoebae span over 6 genera and 6 families were found during this preliminary investigation. These findings constitute new records for Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar and highlight the importance of moss as a critical habitat for these species.